JAKARTA - George Russell says he has the same position and opportunity as Lewis Hamilton when the two start team-mates at Mercedes in 2022.
Russell, 23, will be Hamilton's third tandem at Mercedes but has ignored speculation that he will fall out with his compatriot like he was partnering with Nico Rosberg.
Hamilton and Rosberg started their friendship warmly before the pair got into a bitter rivalry with a number of track conflicts before the German won the 2016 world title and then retired.
"I will definitely be at the same level," Russell said ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
"That was made clear to me. Mercedes always respects when it comes to giving the best opportunities to both drivers.
Russell has been officially recruited by Silver Arrow from the Williams team to replace Valtteri Bottas who left for Alfa Romeo next season after being Hamilton's tandem since 2017.
Bottas was also once guaranteed the same rights but in fact he played a supporting role for Hamilton, who became one of the most successful drivers of all time in F1.
Bottas' role fits perfectly with Mercedes, helping to win the last four constructors' titles. While the team did not want to repeat the conflict like in the years Hamilton paired with Rosberg.
"I think Mercedes have clear experience of poor dynamics in their team and they have made it clear they don't want that to happen again," said Russell. "Personally I don't want that either.
"Lewis and I are at different stages of our careers, which I think helps too.
"I have a lot of respect for him, being so much younger and like idolizing him when as a young karting rider really changed the dynamic too. I don't see any problems at all."
Russell also believes he can become teammates without polemics with Hamilton.
"I'm sure we will compete with each other and respect each other in the race but also be tight at the same time, as Lewis and Valtteri have done in the last five years."
Meanwhile Hamilton remembered when he first joined Mercedes in 2013.
"I remember joining in 2013 and telling Ross (Brawn, head of the team at the time) that I wanted the same opportunity.
"This is the most valuable position because when you do your job, and you succeed, then you know you did your job against whoever was the best. Winning when someone's wing is broken, that's not something that appeals to me," Hamilton said.
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