George Russell sets record straight on Lewis Hamilton relationship ahead of F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
George Russell has shed light on his relationship with F1 team-mate Lewis Hamilton
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George Russell has insisted he has a positive relationship with Lewis Hamilton ahead of Sunday's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The two Britons have struggled this season, with Mercedes struggling to keep pace with fierce rivals Red Bull.
Some have questioned whether Russell is a good team-mate for Hamilton, with both men eager to reign supreme.
It's a stark contrast to when Valtteri Bottas partnered Hamilton, with the Finn more than happy for his team-mate to take centre stage.
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton will be gunning for glory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
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Yet Russell has insisted they have a positive relationship and they're both working to better results.
"Yeah, definitely," he told RobbReport.
"We have a huge amount of respect for one another. I think we have a strong relationship.
"It helps that we’re at different stages of our career. We’re on a very different journey at this stage.
"He’s accomplished so much, and I feel that I’m at the start of my journey. And we’re also in this together, trying to get Mercedes back on top.
"We obviously compete with one another week in and week out and we want to beat one another.
"But last year, I finished ahead of him in the championship, and that didn’t really mean anything.
"This year, he’s finished ahead of me. We’re here to fight for victories. We’re here to fight for championships.
"We’re here to win, and that’s what we’re passionate about."
F1 fans are in for a treat this weekend.
It is the first Formula One event to be held in Las Vegas since the 1980s.
The famous Vegas Strip has been transformed and many are expecting a big morning of action.
Russell feels F1 has a bright future in America - and also shed light on his biggest strengths as he looks to secure a first race win of the season.
"I definitely think it’s not only sustainable, I think it will continue to grow," he stated.
"I think it’s important that we have good racing, and good competition.
"This year, we’ve not seen that competition for victory. But if it wasn’t for the victory, we would be having a great season thereafter.
"It’s a very fine balance between what makes something really great versus somebody turning their television off on a Sunday afternoon.
"The people running Formula 1 are exceptionally intelligent, they know that you cannot plateau.
"Even when you’re on top of the mountain, you need to keep on climbing even if it seems like there’s nowhere else to climb.
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George Russell has struggled this season as Sunday's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix creeps closer
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"And I believe they can do that."
He continued: "I think one of my strengths has always been adaptability.
"I wouldn’t say I have a specific driving style, I always like to adapt to whatever conditions and scenario I’m faced with. There are always areas to improve.
"The thing that makes Formula 1 exciting is that every year you’ve got a different race car, different tires, different engine, you go to races where the climates are different, which has a substantially different impact on the car’s performance.
"You only have to look at our performance in Brazil last week compared to Brazil 12 months prior.
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are yet to win a race this season ahead of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
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"So you’re constantly on this learning process, and the weakness you may have one year may be a strength the following year, just because of what’s thrown at you.
"So that’s why I think being adaptable, having a toolbox of experience for you to tap into, regardless of the scenario, is most vital."