Much more open about his Mercedes-bound ambitions is 23-year-old Russell, who so impressed when he was called up from his regular Williams seat to substitute for the ill Hamilton late last season. Russell was asked by Kronen Zeitung newspaper if he has caught up with Hamilton since that replacement drive in Bahrain.
"We haven't spoken to each other at all since then," Russell said. "But our relationship is good—we don't have any problems with each other. Honestly, I don't know what he could have said after the race. I don't know how I would have felt if someone had done a race in my Williams seat."
Russell's relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is clearly a better one.
"My relationship with Mercedes and Toto Wolff is stronger than ever," Russell said, according to Italy's Mediaset. "They know my situation. They know I want to fight for victories and the championship. They saw what I can do in Bahrain. So I just have to focus on myself. I don't need to stress them.
"In the past I tried to force things, but it's different now. I've been a Mercedes driver for six years. They are my second family and, if it is going to happen, it will happen naturally."
Russell is expecting the uncertainty about Mercedes' driver situation to be clear by the summer break.
"I'm sure the story will have a satisfactory outcome for all the parties involved—Mercedes, Williams and the drivers," Russell said. "I am getting stronger year after year and I think I am at a level where I can fight for wins and the title. But let's see.
Formula 1 is an unpredictable business so it's better not to take anything for granted."
https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula ... rcedes-f1/
Was ist an dem Gerücht dran, dass Hamilton nicht mehr mit ihm redet?
Wolff: Ich höre das zum ersten Mal. Aber die Befindlichkeit meiner Piloten ist meine geringste Sorge. Aber ich kann mir dass schon vorstellen, weil die Konkurrenz zwischen den beiden sehr groß ist. Die Großen spüren, wenn ein Guter nachkommt. Und George ist die nächste Generation.
What's it with the rumor that Hamilton stopped talking to him [Russell]?
Wolff: This is the first time I've heard that. But the condition of my pilots is the least of my worries. But I can imagine that because the competition between the two is very strong. The big ones feel when a good guy is coming. And George is the next generation.
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