Russell says Verstappen is raising the bar: 'He's doing an exceptional job'

Russell is part of the younger generation of Formula One drivers who have come to the sport in recent years. The Briton, Charles Leclerc and Verstappen are all 24 years old and have risen to F1 together, as have Alexander Albon and Lando Norris.

Russell finds it unreal that they are all on the grid together in F1. For the Mercedes driver, it feels like he is back in 2011-2012 when he sees Verstappen and Leclerc battling for the title. Speaking to the BBC, Russell says he enjoys the dynamic between the two rivals. He calls Leclerc an 'extraordinary driver' who will come back from his mistake in France. "There is no doubt that Max is incredibly solid and doing an exceptional job and he's raising the bar", Russell adds.

Russell happy with teammate Hamilton

The Briton is driving his first season with Mercedes this year and is taking on seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Russell is relishing the unique opportunity. "I'm racing against Lewis Hamilton. I've got such an opportunity to continue to push myself. And there are only small details, but having that opportunity week-in, week-out, I will definitely be a greater driver by the end of this year than I would have been had I not been his team-mate.