Leclerc "could bet on a win" by Russell at Mercedes
Charles Leclerc says he has 'some hope' of George Russell being able to win for the Mercedes Formula 1 team in Bahrain this weekend for the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Russell has been drafted in by Mercedes from Williams as replacement for its seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has been sidelined after testing positive for coronavirus earlier this week.
And although Russell faces a huge challenge in getting up to speed with his new surroundings, his long-time friend and former karting teammate Leclerc has high hopes for him.
The Briton, however, went quickest in opening practice, finishing three tenths ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas.
“For me a podium at least, but I have some hope of a win,” said the Ferrari driver about Russell's prospects on Thursday. “I mean it's very optimistic, but I know he's very good. I know that he's very good and I could bet on a win.”
Leclerc feels that even if Russell gets just one outing in the Mercedes, it will be enough for him to show what he is capable of.
“It is an amazing opportunity,” added Leclerc. “I've known him for a lot of years, we were teammates with Alex [Albon], and George back in 2011, in karting. And yeah now he finally has the opportunity to race for a top team.
“I don't know for how long it be, whether it will be for one weekend or two, but anyway, I think he will show how much of a good driver he is this weekend. Of course, he has shown it before, but now having the opportunity to be fighting further up, with probably the best car out there, is a great opportunity for him and I hope he will do well.”
Leclerc is not the only one tipping Russell to do good things this weekend, with McLaren’s Lando Norris also thinking his fellow Brit can triumph.
“I think he can achieve a pole, I think he can achieve a win,” said Norris. “But I think if there's any weekend maybe Mercedes have a smaller advantage than any other weekend, it's probably here. So he's taken a step up into the team at probably one of the toughest weekends of the year in terms of their advantage that they probably have over the rest of the field. So it's not going to be easy for him.
“But I know how good a driver he is. And I'm sure everyone else does too. I'm sure of course Mercedes do as well. So I'm expecting big things. Of course, I’m maybe slightly jealous if he gets an extremely good result or a win. But I'll just be happy for him, and I look forward to hopefully be able to fight him again.”
Related video
Previous article
Sakhir GP: Russell quickest in first session with Mercedes
Next article
"Impatient" Aitken made first contact with Williams over F1 seat
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Event | Sakhir GP |
| Drivers | George Russell , Charles Leclerc |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Sebastian Vettel explains why Aston Martin
Aston Martin AMR21 Unveiling
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
