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George Russell aiming to get his 2018 priorities right

George Russell says his Formula 2 commitments next season will take precedence over any potential FP1 outings with Force India.

The 2018 GP3 champion drove in two free practice Friday sessions this year with the Silverstone-based outfit and is the team's most likely candidate to secure its reserve seat.

The 19-year-old Mercedes protégé showed promise in his second outing with Force India in Abu Dhabi, but wisely believes he'll have more to gain next year by performing well in F2 rather than in the odd FP1 outing.

Force India eyes long-term role for Russell

"I need to talk with Mercedes, I think they're fairly pleased with what I've been doing," said Russell.

"Obviously my main priority will be Formula 2 next year. I don't want anything to overlap so I'm aware that if I win Formula 2 next year I'll be given the opportunity to drive in F1.

"But if I perform really well in FP1 sessions but not performing so well in Formula 2 it makes my cause a little more difficult, so I need to get my priorities right."

Russell was particularly impressed with his F1 experience with Force India, but is putting his fate in the hands of Mercedes with regard to an extension of his involvement with the pink outfit.

"I don’t know, like I say, I focus on one thing. I leave the rest to my managers and Mercedes.

"They’ve got my best interests in their hearts, and so long as I’m performing, I just go out there and do my job on the track, and they will worry about the rest.

"I really like the team, all the guys gel really well together, you can see there's a great team atmosphere.

"I spent a few days working with them, just to try and get as prepared as possible, I feel comfortable and this is certainly somewhere I'd like to start my F1 career."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.