Getting To Know George Russell, Lewis Hamilton's Replacement At The Sakhir GP

George Russell (Twitter @MercedesAMGF1)

JAKARTA - George Russell will replace Lewis Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain this weekend. Hamilton is infected with COVID-19 and must undergo self-isolation.

Russell was given a golden opportunity by Mercedes, to 'escape' temporarily from the bottom team Williams replaced his compatriot. However, the 22-year-old British racer will appear carefree because Mercedes has not set a target for him.

The interim promotion is seen by some as a head-to-head battle between Russell and Valtteri Bottas for a seat in the world championships in 2022.

But Russell, who hasn't scored a single point in his two years with Williams in Formula 1, will not let the pressure, desire for pole position or the Grand Prix title with a car that has won 13 races this season influence him.

"I will go down there, I will enjoy it," Russell said at a virtual press conference as quoted by Antara from Reuters on Thursday.

"There is no target. Toto (Wolff), Mercedes doesn't expect anything from me, because you can't judge a person from one race."

Russell's career has been supported by Mercedes but he was placed on the team of Williams, who is a Mercedes engine user, in 2019 to learn from the ground up.

Less than 48 hours since the seven-time world champion tested positive for COVID-19, Russell got the green light from Mercedes and Williams to fill Hamilton's bench.

"I got a phone call from Toto at two on Tuesday morning. I was in the bathroom at the time so it was a little awkward.

"I was very anxious on Tuesday to see if we could reach a deal with Williams and I want to thank them a lot for allowing me this opportunity," said Russell.

"So this is DAS?" 👀 @ GeorgeRussell63 #SakhirGP pic.twitter.com/G2KeyOGsjz

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) December 3, 2020

Russell is quite familiar with the Mercedes team because for two years he served as a backup racer and helped in simulators.

A little problem encountered ahead of the Sakhir Grand Prix was when he found the cockpit of a W11 car built especially for Hamilton was too small for his tall body.

Russell had to use shoes that were smaller in size to fit in the cockpit.

"Nobody can replace Lewis, but I'll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car" https://t.co/G4CGIteEwM

- Formula 1 (@ F1) December 2, 2020

"My foot size 11 is quite difficult so I have to wear shoes that are one size smaller than usual," he said.

"A little uncomfortable but I can confidently endure the pain."