Russell on the new breed of drivers

George Russell says that Formula 1 teams are “starting to recognise” the ability of younger drivers, following the 2018/19 driver market increase in younger racers.

Red Bull have chosen two youngsters in the form of Max Verstappen, who is already a multiple race winner, and Pierre Gasly, the 2016 GP2 champion who raced for Toro Rosso this year.

Ferrari, meanwhile, has opted to recruit long-term protégé Charles Leclerc after just one year in Formula 1 with Sauber, having stepped up off the back of successive titles in GP3 and Formula 2.

Russell equalled Leclerc’s achievements in the respective categories and will graduate to Formula 1 with Williams, while nearest opponents Lando Norris (McLaren) and Alexander Albon (Toro Rosso) will also be on the grid.

"I think the Formula 1 teams are starting to recognise the level in junior motorsport,” said Russell to motorsportweek.com.

“I think we’ve all been very lucky, especially myself and Lando, to be around a Formula 1 team for a couple of years now, and going to the races, and we learn a huge amount.

“Of course you always get quicker and when you gain experience, you just become more knowledgeable. I think this generation of drivers is a very, very good one.”

The increase of young talent is exciting for fans but many purists argue that Formula 1 cars have become too easy to drive and the fact that drivers with little experience can race competitively is damaging the sport. Many fans would rather see drivers develop more in the lower levels of racing before stepping up to the pinnacle of the sport which should be a big step up. What do you think?