Williams Formula 1 driver George Russell admitted he’s a “little bit jealous” of seeing his contemporaries in top F1 seats that are capable of competing for wins and even titles.
Russell, who joined back-marker Williams last year, is part of a social group that includes Red Bull’s Alexander Albon, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris. The group grew up competing against one another in karting.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 via an Instagram live chat, Russell admitted it was tough seeing his friends and rivals racing for top teams whilst he’s forced to race at the back, but remains confident he will be in their position if he keeps impressing.
“We’re all youngsters, we all want to have that successful career and races and victories, right here in the moment,” he said.
“Even Nico Rosberg, I don’t know how old he was when he won his first race and how many years he was in F1, but if I keep performing and doing the job, we’ll all get our chance.
“That’s all I can do at the moment. Seeing my mates up there in potential championship-winning cars – it’s something I’m a little bit jealous of obviously, because I want to be up there trying to fight as well.
“Nevertheless I know as long as I keep on performing and I keep doing my job to the best of my ability that opportunity will come whether it’s next year, two years, five years, 10 years. It should come.”
Russell is contracted to Mercedes and is being lined up a potential replacement for either Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas when either chooses to move on.
Addressing recent changes and driver swaps, Russell believes both Ferrari and McLaren now have line-ups that could remain unchanged for several years now.
“I think it’s great to be honest. I think mixing things up is great for the fans, it’s great for the media, they love that. It’s obviously great for the young guns of F1, you’ve now got Ferrari, two youngsters, Red Bull, two youngsters, you’ve got Lando there in McLaren.
“Daniel [Ricciardo] still has a number of years in him, and both he and Lando could be at McLaren again for four, five, six years to come.
“The likes of Ferrari, you’ve got to start looking to the future, with Charles and Carlos [Sainz], that could potentially be the line-up for five, six, seven years to come.
“It all makes sense when you think of it from that side of things. Like I said, it’s just exciting for the sport.”
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