Russell relishes potential Hulkenberg challenge

George Russell says Nico Hulkenberg's potential arrival at Williams would offer him a perfect chance to display his talents to the full.

Hulkenberg is perhaps the most high-profile free agent on the F1 market for 2020, but his options are limited after seeing his Renault seat given to Esteban Ocon and Haas opting to keep Romain Grosjean ahead of signing him.

Alfa Romeo, where Hulkenberg is a known quantity to team principal Fred Vasseur, and Williams, who gave Hulkenberg his F1 debut in 2010, are the only realistic options left on the grid, with Red Bull likely to remain with the four drivers they have under contract across the senior team and Toro Rosso.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams said in Singapore that talks have not been held with Hulkenberg as Williams seek a replacement for Robert Kubica, who confirmed he will not remain in 2020.

Russell has outqualified Kubica in all 15 races this year and has finished ahead on 12 occasions, and would relish the chance to go head to head with one of the sport's more consistent performers.

He said: "My preference is to have the fastest driver possible next to me, because I'm doing my best to prove what I can do to everybody, and I want the opportunity again to show that.

"But ultimately, from my side, I focus on myself, my own job, my engineers.

"I feel ready to take control, lead the team if it was to be a rookie to come alongside me, but equally I'd probably be just as happy to have an experienced guy, such as Hulkenberg coming in, with a good reputation and experience.

"I'm sure I can learn some things from him but again, it gives me a very good opportunity to show what I can do."

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