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      George Russell warns Lewis Hamilton he is NOT joining Mercedes to be his ‘wingman’ like Valtteri Bottas

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has warned seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton he is not coming to Mercedes as his No 2.Next season Williams star Russell, 23, will replace Valtteri Bottas, 32, who was once referred to as a “wingman” for Hamilton by Merc boss Toto Wolff.
      George Russell says he is going to Mercedes to compete with Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
      Valtteri Bottas has been referred to as Lewis Hamilton’s ‘wingman’ at MercedesCredit: EPA
      Merc tried to balance the team’s harmony between Hamilton and Bottas following 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg’s turbulent relationship with the Brit during their time as team-mates.
      Finnish star Bottas is on his way to Alfa Romeo and Russell says he has been assured he will get equal status at Merc when he goes up against Hamilton in 2022.
      He said: “I’m definitely going in on level terms and that was made very clear to me.
      “Mercedes have always been respectful in that regard, giving both the drivers the best opportunity.
      “And obviously and naturally I believe in myself, and I have high aspirations. But equally I know how tough it’s going to be.
      “Mercedes have had clear experience of a poor dynamic within the team and they’ve made it absolutely clear that they don’t want a repeat.”

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      Hamilton, 36, who had explosive battles with Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button when they were at McLaren, believes it is down to Wolff to manage the situation.
      He said: “History has shown it can work – and it can’t. It is different in each team and ultimately it is how it is managed.
      “You have two championships and individually you want to finish ahead and then also get the team ahead.
      “It is a difficult one to navigate through but we have experienced it and learnt from it and should be well set moving forwards.
      “Ever since I joined this team in 2013, I wanted equal opportunities.
      “Winning when someone’s wings are clipped, that is not something that interests me.”
      Lewis Hamilton says he is happy to compete on an even playing field with incoming Mercedes team-mate George RussellCredit: SPLASH NEWS
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      Lewis Hamilton has been dominant for ‘too long’ and F1 needed Max Verstappen title duel, says legend Jackie Stewart

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      JACKIE STEWART is excited by Max Verstappen’s duel with Lewis Hamilton for the F1 title, as the Brit has been dominant for ‘too long’.No driver could get near Hamilton, 36, in the last four seasons with the seven-time champion and Mercedes a step above the rest.
      Lewis Hamilton has dominated F1 in recent yearsCredit: AFP
      Max Verstappen’s title push has invigorated F1, according to Jackie StewartCredit: Rex
      But the 2021 campaign has seen Verstappen and Red Bull launch an ambush on the world crown.
      The Dutch star leads Hamilton by three points following his victory in front of his home Zandvoort crowd.
      And 82-year-old Stewart, who won three titles during a prestigious career, believes Formula One has been yearning for a challenger to the throne.
      In an interview with Ziggo Sport, via Sports Mole, he said: “It’s always nice to see a young challenger who can attack the leader.
      “Lewis Hamilton has been the leader for too long. His team has been dominant for so long that we haven’t experienced this for a long time.
      “Max Verstappen has put the sport back on the map, because it’s so important that there is someone in F1 who provides the action and tension.

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      “The Honda engine is now good enough for Verstappen can take the fight to them. He’s also hungrier than Hamilton.”
      The title rivals will do battle again this weekend at Monza.
      Despite his slender lead atop the championship, Verstappen heads to Italy having won the last six races where he has not crashed out or suffered damage.

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      Williams F1 team sign Red Bull’s Alex Albon for 2022 season to replace Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate George Russell

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      ALEX ALBON will race for the Williams F1 team next season after replacing Mercedes-bound George Russell.London-born Albon, who raced for Red Bull last year, will partner Nicholas Latifi, who remains at Williams.
      Alex Albon joins Williams after two podiums in 18 months at Red BullCredit: Reuters
      Albon has spent this year as Red Bull’s reserve and test driver and also won in German touring car series, DTM.
      The 25-year-old, who was replaced for this season by Sergio Perez, is delighted to be back in the Formula One grid.
      He said: “I am really excited and looking forward to returning to a Formula One race seat in 2022.
      “When you take a year out of F1 it’s never certain you will make a return so I’m extremely thankful to Red Bull and Williams for believing in me and helping me on my journey back to the grid.
      “It’s also been great to see all the progress Williams have been making as a team this year and I look forward to helping them continue that journey in 2022.”
      Jost Capito, CEO of Williams Racing, added: “It is fantastic to be able to confirm our driver line-up for 2022 and I am delighted to be welcoming Alex to the team.

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      “We are extremely excited by our new line-up, with both drivers bringing a great blend of youth and experience that will not only be a great fit for the team but also help us take the next step in our journey.”
      Williams were in need of a new driver after George Russell’s move to Mercedes was confirmed.
      Albon’s switch completes the chain of changes on next year’s grid with Valtteri Bottas leaving his Merc to replace the retiring Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo.

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      F1 star George Russell’s amazing lifestyle, driving a £140,000 car, and enjoying Caribbean holidays with glam girlfriend

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      NEXT season, rising British F1 racer George Russell will be driving for Mercedes.The 23-year-old will team up with Lewis Hamilton, and could pose a serious threat for the World Championship.
      F1 ace George Russell already boasts a glam lifestyleCredit: Daimler AG
      Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, will be the current F1 champ’s team mate next season at Mercedes
      He will also be due a massive pay hike on his current £500,000-per-year deal with Williams, that’ll continue to fund his amazing lifestyle.
      Although he currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, he has plans to move to Monaco.
      Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a £140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT worth around £140,000.
      He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
      KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
      Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
      The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
      He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
      But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
      By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
      Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
      A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.
      GLAM LIFE FOLLOWED
      As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
      He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
      They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
      Most recently, Russell has been seen with stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Back in February, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
      While in August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
      Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
      Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
      Back in February, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BartsCredit: Splash
      Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
      COMPANY CAR
      Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
      He currently drives a stunning Mercedes AMG GT that’s worth around £140,000.
      And in the past, he’s always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
      He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of £80,000.
      Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to over two million followers.
      About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
      Russell shows off his prized possession – a £140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      The AMG C 63 costs around £80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
      One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
      In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
      Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
      Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
      During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
      While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
      He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
      Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HEALTHY LIVING
      Crucial to Russell’s is his diet plan.
      Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
      From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
      Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
      Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
      LOVES SPORT
      Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
      When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
      During the Euros, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
      While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
      Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Football fan Russell cheered on England during the EurosCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Joining Mercedes will earn Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63

      And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
      Next year, it will be Russell who will be hopeful of more fans cheering him in a Mercedes car.
      He might just give them something to shout about, should he dethrone Lewis Hamilton.
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      Mercedes confirm George Russell as Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 team-mate for 2022 season replacing Valtteri Bottas

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes for the 2022 season.After over four years as part of the Formula One team’s academy, the Brit will step up from Williams to replace Valtteri Bottas.
      George Russell will race for Mercedes after starring with WilliamsCredit: Rex
      The reigning world champions have been mulling over Russell’s promotion for over a year, amid Hamilton’s dominance of the Drivers’ Championship.
      But Bottas’ difficult first half of the season and Russell’s continued rise in one of the slowest cars on the track made the decision inevitable.
      The 23-year-old stated: “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely buzzing.
      “It’s a huge opportunity and one I want to grab with both hands.
      “But I’m under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge; it’s going to be a steep learning curve.
      “Valtteri has set a high bar, consistently delivering week in and week out, scoring wins, pole positions and helping win multiple championship titles.”

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      The length of Russell’s contract has not been confirmed with only the 2022 season named in Tuesday’s announcement.
      Hamilton, 36, is committed until the end of the 2023 campaign and his new team-mate cannot wait to continue learning from the seven-time champ.
      Russell added: “I’ve looked up to Lewis since I was in go-karts.
      “The opportunity to learn from someone who has become a role model both on and off track can only benefit me as a driver, a professional, and a human being.”
      Long known as a huge talent of the future, the King’s Lynn-born racer won the GP3 and Formula 2 titles in consecutive years to earn his step up to F1.
      A couple of point-less seasons with the underperforming Williams team saw him given the opportunity to replace Hamilton last year, when the veteran caught Covid-19 ahead of the Sakhir Grand Prix.
      Russell has been welcomed into Mercedes by Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The racer stood in for Hamilton at last year’s Sakhir Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      A series of team errors denied him a shock win but Russell snapped up his first points for Williams at last month’s Hungarian GP.
      The man dubbed ‘Mr Saturday’ then qualified second in the wet at Spa and the race-day downpour guaranteed a first podium finish.
      Hamilton welcomed his new colleague to the team, and wrote on social media: “I remember meeting [Russell] when he was young, dreaming of one day being a Formula 1 driver.
      “I’d only just reached my own dream of becoming an F1 driver, so I know what this day means and how it will feel for him.
      “He is a great example to all the kids out there that dreams do come true when you chase them wholeheartedly. Through hard work he has rightly earned his spot on our team.
      “I look forward to seeing him grow as a driver with this great team and working with him to raise Mercedes higher.”
      This hasn’t been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us.Toto WolffMercedes F1 boss
      Bottas, 32, had already been confirmed as an Alfa Romeo driver for next season, replacing the retiring Kimi Raikkonen.
      Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted that it had not been an easy decision to replace the Finn, who played a part in four Constructors’ wins.
      He said: “This hasn’t been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us.
      “Valtteri has done a fantastic job over the past five seasons and he has made an essential contribution to our success and to our growth.

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      “[Russell] has been a winner in every racing category – and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1.
      “Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time.
      “I am confident that as their relationship grows, they will form a strong team and deliver for Mercedes on and off the track in the years to come.”

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      Lewis Hamilton names Valtteri Bottas as ‘best F1 team-mate’ in snub to Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has praised Valtteri Bottas as his best team-mate in Formula One, ahead of the Finn’s departure from Mercedes.Alfa Romeo have signed up Bottas, 32, for the 2022 season after the reigning world champions opted to bring in youngster George Russell to replace him.
      Lewis Hamilton has described Valtteri Bottas as his ‘best’ F1 team-mateCredit: Getty
      His friendship with Nico Rosberg struggled during their title fights at MercedesCredit: PA:Press Association
      It is no surprise that Hamilton, 36, has enjoyed his time alongside the former Williams driver as it has coincided with four title triumphs.
      Bottas joined following Nico Rosberg’s shock retirement after the German pipped his longtime pal-turned-rival to the 2016 crown.
      Despite being pushed by Ferrari and Red Bull during the hybrid era, the Merc has been by far the quickest car – and the Brit simply unmatched.
      Although a tally of nine race wins in four-and-a-half years is nothing to be sniffed at, it was only during the start of the 2019 season when Bottas truly looked capable of competing for the title.
      During this period, he was lumbered with the ‘wingman’ label that he tried and failed to shake off.
      But his role in four Constructors’ titles and Hamilton’s rise to seven championships did not go unrecognised at the team’s Brackley base.

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      Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “I’m immensely proud to have worked alongside Bottas for the last five years.
      “Together, we’ve been part of a team that has delivered four Constructors’ Championships, and we’ve motivated one another to keep pushing through the ups and the downs.
      “He has been the best teammate I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
      “Your speed and resilience has been impressive but where you truly stand out to me is the human being you are. You are greater than you know and I know there’s a bright future ahead for you.
      “Thank you Valtteri for all of your support and amazing contributions to this team. You will be missed.
      “I wish you all the best for your future endeavours🙏🏾 let’s finish off strong and get that 8th [title] for the team👊🏾.”
      Fernando Alonso and Hamilton clashed during the Brit’s rookie yearCredit: Reuters
      Jenson Button and the Brit were different personalities while at McLarenCredit: PA:Press Association
      How Hamilton clicks with Russell, 23, will be an intriguing plotline of the 2022 campaign.
      The pair are hardly strangers, with the youngster part of the Mercedes setup for over four years.
      Previous team-mates have often sparred with the veteran, including Rosberg in their competitive quest to deliver the team’s early glory, and Fernando Alonso.
      The Spaniard dramatically fell out with Hamilton at Hungary in 2007 following the then-rookie’s amazing start in F1.
      But he left after only a year amid a separate McLaren scandal with both drivers finishing a point behind champion Kimi Raikkonen.
      Haiki Kovalainen stepped in for the following two seasons but provided little support in Hamilton’s 2008 crowning.
      And Jenson Button was simply a different character to the now-celebrity Hamilton during their four years together at McLaren.
      The 41-year-old would later admit his ‘regret’ that the two were ‘never friends’ and their car was markedly outpaced by the Red Bull.

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      Valtteri Bottas’ move to Alfa Romeo confirmed by F1 team with George Russell set to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

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      THE LATEST piece of the jigsaw in George Russell’s move to Mercedes has fallen into place, with Valtteri Bottas’ switch to Alfa Romeo now confirmed.On Monday, the Italian marque announced the capture of the Finn, 32, on a multi-year deal.
      Valtteri Bottas has sealed his switch to Alfa Romeo from next seasonCredit: Splash
      It means the path is now clear for British racer Russell to move to the reigning Formula One world champions for next season.
      Speculation over who will partner Lewis Hamilton has been rife for months but the deal quickly became the paddock’s worst-kept secret since the end of the summer break.
      Bottas said: “I am relishing the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid, especially with the new regulations in 2022 giving the team a chance to make a leap in performance.
      “I’m grateful for the trust the team has put in me and I cannot wait to repay their faith: I’m as hungry as ever to race for results and, when the time comes, for wins.
      “I am proud of what I have achieved [at Mercedes] and I am fully focused on finishing the job as we fight for another world championship, but I am also looking forward to the new challenges that await me next year.”
      Bottas, who like Russell raced for Williams before moving to Mercedes, was on the podium at Sunday’s Dutch GP but has not won a race all year.

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      Whereas the 23-year-old snapped up a maiden podium in the shortened race at Spa having more than matched his rival when briefly replacing Hamilton, 36, in his Mercedes when the star caught coronavirus last year.
      Russell is expected to be announced as a Merc racer imminently and has already discussed life alongside Hamilton.
      He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think any driver would be naive to think they could go up against a seven-time world champion and have it easy.
      “Because a guy like Lewis is who he is because of his speed and determination.”
      “But that’s every driver’s dream – and I’ve said that for the last three years that it would be my dream to be team-mates with Lewis, because I want to learn from the best and I want to go up against the best.
      “Let’s see what next year brings.”
      Bottas, meanwhile, replaces the retiring Kimi Raikkonen and will attempt to guide the Alfa to points finishes next season with the Ferrari-powered car likely to fight near the back of the pack.
      Team boss Vasseur said of the deal: “It is a pleasure to welcome Valtteri to the team and we are looking forward to our journey together.

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      “With him, we bring to Hinwil a strong team player with experience at the sharp end of the grid.”
      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff paid tribute to Bottas for his role in four consecutive Constructors’ victories for the team.
      He stated: “Together with Lewis, he has built a benchmark partnership between two team-mates in the sport, and that has been a valuable weapon in our championship battles and pushed us to achieve unprecedented success.”

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      George Russell signed Mercedes contract after Dutch GP and will become Lewis Hamilton’s F1 team-mate, says Nico Rosberg

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has signed his Mercedes deal following the Dutch GP – according to Nico Rosberg.The 2016 world champion says Russell was called into Merc boss Toto Wolff’s office to put pen to paper on a deal that would see him drive for the team next season.
      George Russell is set to make the move to MercedesCredit: Rex
      Rosberg says it was done for the benefit of the Netflix film crew who are making their fourth installment of the Drive to Survive TV series.
      He said: “By the way, on George Russell, I’ve got a rumour.
      “A certain streaming service was called into the office of Toto to film the signatures.
      “That’s the rumour that is circulating in the paddock.”
      The move will see Russell, 23, partner Lewis Hamilton in the team while Valtteri Bottas will make way and is expected to join Alfa Romeo this week.
      Both Hamilton and Russell endured tough races around Zandvoort on Sunday.

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      Starting 11th following a crash in qualifying, the Williams youngster was handed a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane before suffering a gearbox issue.
      While Hamilton was unable to match Max Verstappen’s pace around the Dutch circuit as the home favourite swooped to the victory.
      The British pair’s planned team-up next season has also been backed by ex-F1 star Jenson Button.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      He said: “For Lewis it puts pressure on his shoulders because he’s never had a young hotshot come into his team that he’s had to beat.
      “It’s a very different dynamic from what we’ve seen with British drivers before as team-mates – it was Lewis and myself – so I’m really excited for that fight if it happens.
      “It will be great for Lewis because it’s another challenge for him.”

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