Breaking news
Formula 1
Hamilton's work ethic "refreshing" for Russell
Williams Formula 1 rookie George Russell says he found it "refreshing" to watch Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes and discover his success is a result of an intense work ethic.
Scott Mitchell
Published: Jan 15, 2019, 2:59 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Russell, the 2018 Formula 2 champion, has signed a "multi-year" deal with Williams after spending last year dovetailing his racing commitments with the role of Mercedes reserve driver.
He told Motorsport.com that his position within F1's current all-conquering team gave him a new appreciation for how five-time world champion Hamilton conducts himself.
"There's a number of different perceptions of how Lewis's commitment is over the course of the year," said Russell.
"He's got a number of different activities he does and he's an extremely talented driver but when he comes to the track he will work his arse off to maximise everything – pushing the team in such an amazing direction, really motivating everybody.
"He's worked really hard at it, so that was kind of refreshing for me, that a guy like him isn't just relying on his talent and it just comes to him, he's out there working for it.
"I think that's something he's probably improved on as he's got older. He can't go out and rely on speed because if the car's not quite working, you need to be able to push the team forward in the right direction.
"I'm convinced that that's what he's been doing over the last few years."
Hamilton is Britain's most successful F1 driver ever, while only Michael Schumacher has more titles and wins to his name than the 32-year-old.
Read Also:
He combined his fifth world championship-winning season last year with a major move off-track by launching his own collection with US fashion giant Tommy Hilfiger.
Russell said watching Hamilton up close gave him valuable insight into more than just being a quick racing driver.
"I'm trying to excel in all areas," says Russell. "If you want to become world champion you cannot just rely on your speed on the track, or focus on that.
"There's so much more to F1, you're representing brands and have a number of sponsors who are helping you go racing.
"You need to provide something back for them so they help us develop the car further. It's a whole package and it's something Lewis is doing really well at the moment.
"What he's doing on-track is just as good as what he's doing off-track, everybody wants to see him and speak to him. He gives them a good time."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article How to build a budget Formula 1 car
Next article Schumacher close to Ferrari junior role
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Scott Mitchell
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Formula 1
Formula 1
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Formula 1
Formula 1
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
Formula 1
Formula 1
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
More from
Lewis Hamilton
‘Lewis suspected a conspiracy’ – Nico Rosberg explains how Lewis Hamilton F1 rivalry went awry at Mercedes
Formula 1
Formula 1 8 h
‘Lewis suspected a conspiracy’ – Nico Rosberg explains how Lewis Hamilton F1 rivalry went awry at Mercedes
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
Formula 1
Formula 1
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
Latest news
The ten closest finishes from the 2026 NASCAR season
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup 8 h
The ten closest finishes from the 2026 NASCAR season
‘Lewis suspected a conspiracy’ – Nico Rosberg explains how Lewis Hamilton F1 rivalry went awry at Mercedes
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1 8 h
‘Lewis suspected a conspiracy’ – Nico Rosberg explains how Lewis Hamilton F1 rivalry went awry at Mercedes
BMW "proud of what we achieved" after securing runner-up in 2026 WEC
WEC
WEC WEC
Monza
10 h
BMW "proud of what we achieved" after securing runner-up in 2026 WEC
The numbers that reveal how sprint races have turned the MotoGP title fight upside down
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
12 h
The numbers that reveal how sprint races have turned the MotoGP title fight upside down
Feature
Discover prime content
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Formula 1
By Kevin Turner
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe