Russell stresses goal: 'Lewis and I have no interest in it'

George Russell is in his first season with Mercedes. Where he hoped to compete for the world title before this year, he still has to be content with a place in the sub top of the driver field. Together with Lewis Hamilton, however, he expects to return to the top teams.

Hamilton had little to fear from competition in recent seasons with Valtteri Bottas. Those expectations were completely different with the recruitment of Russell. The former Williams driver seemed capable of competing with his compatriot to raise the team's level of performance.

For now, however, Russell seems to see little point in an internal battle. In conversation with RACER.com he explains that for the German race stable this season it is actually important for Hamilton and him to work together, so that the improvements to the cars can take place quickly. In this way Hamilton and Russell could still compete for prizes during the course of the season.

"Obviously, everybody wants to finish ahead of their teammate, but Lewis and I have no interest in battling it out for P5, P6," stressed Russell, who instead favors cooperation. "The long game we need to play is to catch these guys up because we’re here to win."