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Mercedes: Russell can be 'star of the future' in F1

Mercedes: Russell can be 'star of the future' in F1

04-01-2019 18:00
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Bobby Vincent

New Formula One driver and Formula Two champion George Russell can be a "star of the future" according to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Russell will be driving alongside Robert Kubica for Williams next season, with the British side opting for a brand new line-up to try and improve somehow on last season's disastrous campaign.

The 20-year-old is still contracted with Mercedes and will be entering his rookie season with Williams next season.

"I can only repeat what Sebastien Philippe (ART GP team boss) said, that George is one of the best we've ever had within our team," Wolff explained to Crash.net.

"I think we might have another young British boy here that can become a star in the future."

Wolff then reminisced on his first ever meeting with Russell after his title success in 2014 at the British F4 Championship, and admitted that the youngster immediately made an impression on him.

"My first encounter with George was when he was 15 or 16 years old, and he asked me for a meeting - I really enjoy meeting those young kids full of dreams," Wolff said.

"He came in a black suit in a tie with a notebook, and he said I've just won the F4 title in British F4, and I'm considering doing F3 and my feeling is that I should be staying with a British team because I'm very young and I understand Carlin.

"And (he) asked would that close the Mercedes door for me if I'm not on a Mercedes engine in F3 in my first year? 

"It was such a reflectie question from a 15 year old or 16 year old, it was really amazing. So he has the brain, he has the empathy, the social skills and the driving."