George Russell makes bold Lewis Hamilton claim after former Mercedes team-mate's exit George Russell is adamant he can now perform at the same level as Lewis Hamilton "at a minimum".
"But without doubt, I'll always remember my first F1 race for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi 2016, the Nico [Rosberg] and Lewis race, and just being in the same room as him in the debrief, listening to it all unfold.
And, having acquitted himself well up against Hamilton, the 26-year-old recalled what it was like watching his older brother Benjy when he was a child as he explained why he feels he is ready to lead Mercedes into the future.
Replacing Hamilton is teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli, about whom Mercedes are particularly excited in terms of what he can achieve in the future.
But now Russell is the undisputed Silver Arrows team leader following his fellow Brit's decision to leave for rivals Ferrari.
