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Williams driver George Russell revealed Lewis Hamilton helped take his driving to the next level with some advice when he was driving in Formula 2.
Russell enjoyed a solid debut season in 2019, albeit with a struggling Williams team as he was left driving a poor FW42 at the back of the grid.
Nonetheless his talent was clear and he did manage to whitewash team-mate Robert Kubica 21-0 in the qualifying battle.
As a Mercedes junior, Russell admitted to being somewhat jealous of seeing the moves around him for 2021 triggered by Sebastian Vettel's upcoming Ferrari exit, but also reaffirmed that he would bide his time.
Russell came into Formula 1 following back-to-back titles in GP3 and F2, and he revealed how it was some tyre-related advice from Lewis Hamilton which really gave him that edge to push on and make it to the pinnacle of motorsport.
But he now hopes to one day make the six-time World Champion "regret" it.
"I had a little bit of advice from Lewis about two years ago when I was racing in F2," he told Sky Sports F1 during a fan Q&A.
"It was mainly about the tyres, and how to try and get more out of them. I'd say that was a little thing that helped me find that little bit extra, what I was just missing at the start of my F2 career.
"That's actually pushed forward into F1 as well and has benefitted me as I moved into F1.
"That little piece of information triggered something in my mind and I think a lot about it and how I can get even more out of it.
"I hope I can make him regret giving me that advice one day!"
Hamilton is yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes beyond 2020, as is Valtteri Bottas, so Russell could end up being Hamilton's team-mate or replacement next year.
- TEAMtalk media
