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Leclerc's advice for Russell ahead of Mercedes move

Having moved from Sauber to Ferrari in 2019, Charles Leclerc knows the kind of pressure George Russell will face when he joins Mercedes next season.

Charles Leclerc has advised George Russell not to put too much pressure on himself when he lines up alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season. Having made the jump from Sauber to Ferrari back in 2019, Leclerc has first-hand experience as to what Russell will face in 2022. Leclerc joined the Scuderia with multiple World Champion Sebastian Vettel still at the team, and served as his teammate until the German left for Aston Martin prior to the 2021 season. With Russell set to drive alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, Leclerc told the current Williams driver to make the most of the opportunity. "To George, I don't have much to say," Leclerc told Formula1.com. "He knows what he needs to do. "It's an amazing opportunity for him and he's in a very good position, too, because being like I was with Seb at the end, I had a multi-World Champion next to me and, of course, for us being young, it's a great opportunity to show what you can do and learn from the best. "So yes, just to enjoy his time there and not put too much pressure on himself." Leclerc is no stranger to the talent Russell possesses, having raced against him back in karting prior to Formula 1. That's why Leclerc expects him to be quick as soon as he gets to Mercedes. "Just the talent that he has [is impressive]," Leclerc told RacingNews365.com and other members of the media. "He was already very impressive back in karting. "We were teammates when we were quite young. He has always been very talented in all conditions. He will get in the car and be quick. "It's a great opportunity for him. I wish him the best."

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