Russell says visit to Mercedes 'opened his eyes'

After spending three years at Williams, George Russell is now at the start of his first full season as a Mercedes driver. He recently visited the Mercedes factories in Brackley and Brixworth, an experience which he says 'opened his eyes'.

Russell had a lot of impressions to take in during his first day with his new employer. He has, of course, already had a taste of what it's like to stand in for Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, but is now getting to know the team for the first time as a regular driver.

Russell: 'Hard work is underappreciated'

The young Briton is eager to start, as he already indicated after the final race in Abu Dhabi. He also finds it very exciting to be able to help develop the car.

His visit to Mercedes' chassis factory in Brackley and engine plant in Brixworth has, according to Russell, "opened his eyes" as to the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. He tells us this during a YouTube-video of his visit.

"It's very special to see what's involved in giving us such a fantastic car. I think all that hard work is underappreciated," he addressed the staff. "Most people only see the final product on the track, but they have no idea how much goes on behind the scenes. It's really eye-opening."