George Russell says he and Lewis Hamilton ‘are on a level playing field’ at Mercedes and is adamant there will be no team orders for anyone to defer to the other driver. Russell, 23, is now team-mate to Hamilton following Valtteri Bottas’ departure at the end of last season. We both recognise our fight isn’t with each other as it may be in some other teams. Russell recognises Mercedes are currently behind Ferrari and Red Bull but he is confident his team will be back in full flow soon. ‘I trust in my team and if anyone can overcome these issues I am sure Mercedes can.

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