Hamilton is ready to help Russell become the next British Formula One champion

While Hamilton expects nothing short of a tough challenge from Russell when he leaves Williams next year to replace Valtteri Bottas, the seven-time champion sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support his new teammate.

He believes that the 23 year old Russell’s positive attitude and strong work ethic, coupled with the fact that they are 13 years older than him at various stages in their careers with Hamilton, gives them the opportunity to work together too.

Speaking to selected media outlets, including Autosport, about his thoughts on Russell’s arrival, Hamilton said, “I’m in a different place. I really want him to be successful.

“There will come a point where I won’t continue in this sport. He’s my teammate and he’ll be the next Brit I want to see to win a world championship.

“So I really hope that while we’re going to compete and I want to win on the track, I can have a positive influence on how he behaves on the team.

“Whether it’s the time he spends on engineering, or how he digs through the data, or just how he drives on the track.”

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Despite his openness about how he wants to help Russell, Hamilton has no illusions about how eager his new teammate will be to get ahead of the game immediately.

Hamilton sees Russell in a similar situation to 2007, when he was a rookie at McLaren alongside then double champion Fernando Alonso.

“I think you saw that George is very respectful,” added Hamilton.

Russell will trade his Williams for a Mercedes when he joins Hamilton next year

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

“He’s a super talented young man, and I think there’s a lot of respect in it. Right now there is just a nice balance.

“He’ll want to be quick. He will show up and want to win and do all the things you do when you take on a new role.

“I remember when I was against [Fernando] Alonso, of course I wanted to beat him in the first race.

“So I guess and expect George to have this mentality, otherwise he’s not a winner, you know? I assume that he will have this mentality. “