Russell plays down tension with Hamilton
"I’ve been in the Mercedes family since 2016"
George Russell has played down suggestions that he is no longer on speaking terms with Lewis Hamilton.
According to the rumour, relations between the pair froze when it became clear that Mercedes junior Russell is the preferred potential replacement for the seven time world champion.
"The question I was asked was ’Did you talk to Lewis after Bahrain?’ And I replied, ’No, I didn’t’. Just like I don’t do at most of the grands prix," Russell said at Imola.
"But when we do see each other, of course we talk. That was always the case and still is.
"My relationship with Lewis is in no way different from before - there is no problem between us," the Williams driver insisted.
However, further paddock rumours suggest that if Toto Wolff doesn’t finally promote Russell to the works team for 2022, he may be free to look elsewhere.
"I’ve been in the Mercedes family since 2016," Russell, 23, said when asked about that. "The situation has not changed since then.
"I have to show my performance on the track to earn my chance and I’m not thinking about anything else."
Williams F1
FIA asked to permit Antonelli, 17, to debut in 2024
Williams finally gets third chassis, updates in Miami
Miami tipped to be Logan Sargeant’s last F1 race
Crashes to have ’medium term’ effect on Williams
More on Williams F1
Mercedes F1
Even Newey couldn’t solve Mercedes slump - Wolff
Wolff denies Antonelli will make F1 debut at Imola
Mercedes only ’partially’ a top F1 team now
Hopeful rookie on standby for two F1 teams
Wolff: We see the errors in it but we have something for Miami
More on Mercedes F1