George Russell has touted that Valtteri Bottas’ recent experience with the Ferrari Formula 1 engine could be a feature that helps Mercedes upon his return to the team.
Bottas has reunited with Mercedes to serve as the squad’s reserve driver across the upcoming campaign having missed out on landing a permanent spot on the 2025 grid.
The Finn had been with Sauber since losing his Mercedes seat to Russell at the end of 2021, a move that he has since admitted that he regrets based on broken promises.
Bottas, though, has partnered with Mercedes, where he won 10 races during a five-season spell, to remain involved in the sport amid his desire to secure a 2026 seat.
With 246 F1 race start to his name, Russell has acknowledged that the Finn’s extensive experience will be an asset that Mercedes can utilise across the upcoming campaign.
That includes his stint with Sauber where he became accustomed to operating the Ferrari power unit, knowledge that Russell has hinted could be invaluable to Mercedes.
“His experience is going to be massive,” Russell said in an interview with Mercedes.
“Having someone with so much simulator and racing knowledge, and who fully knows the team is going to be great.
“Hearing about his last few years at Sauber, with the Ferrari engine could be key too. You always have to keep an open mind as to what others are doing and he has all of that under his belt.”
Bottas and Russell tension is water under the bridge
There was tension between Bottas and Russell in 2021 as the pair battled to seize a coveted drive at Mercedes, which spilled onto the track with a huge shunt at Imola.
Russell, then at Williams, was attempting to overtake the Mercedes in damp conditions heading into Turn 1 when a snap on a wet patch caused him to slam into Bottas’ side
The Briton was less than impressed as he slapped his rival’s helmet in the gravel trap – an action he apologised for – which prompted the Finn to raise his middle finger.
However, Russell has divulged that has long been water under the bridge as the two, who competed alongside each other in Sakhir in 2020, now share a cordial rapport.
“Obviously years ago we were perceived to not have a strong relationship, but we are both professionals and our relationship has grown, we often travel together and see each other at hotels or in the gym,” he added.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted he has encouraged Bottas to tone down his wild side, but he will be allowed to retain the bleached ponytail he adopted at Sauber.
Asked whether he will be exchanging tips with Bottas on that, Russell quipped: “Maybe he could give me some of his at the back, and I can give him some of my hair from the side – I think we would be able to make something pretty extraordinary from the two!”
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