Lowe sees benefits in Russell's Mercedes exposure

Technical Chief of Williams Racing Paddy Lowe believes the exposure that new driver Geroge Russell is recieving from Mercedes is a good thing for the 2019 driver. Russell, the 2018 FIA F2 Series champion, will race for the Williams team in 2019, and is a part of the Mercedes junior driver programme.

Lowe, who re-joined his former Williams team from Mercedes in 2017 sees the exposure Russell experiences from the team and current champion Lewis Hamilton has given him plenty to learn. Russell also spent time as the 2018 reserve driver with Mercedes and was a frequent member of the World Champions' garage during races.

"I think that it would be really valuable, " Lowe told Autosport. "For him to see exactly how Lewis works, what are the things he spends his time on, what is his approach, what is his attitude, will prove extremely valuable in the future."

Lowe also worked closely with Hamilton in the past, alongside the current champion when they were at McLaren together, and also at Mercedes prior to Lowe's departure at the end of the 2016 season.

Russell also believes that his closeness with the team is a positive thing. However, he has told that even though it is good to get advice from the five time champion, he likes to see how Hamilton works and interacts with his team.

"Every driver has to find their own way of driving, but the things I have learned is how he interacts with the team, the feedback and everything and that's what I could learn" Russell commented.

Williams hopes that the all new pairing of Russell and former reserve driver Robert Kubica will contribute towards a far more successful season in 2019, after a dismal 2018 campaign seen them finish last in the constructors' championship with only seven points.