Lowe: 'Intelligent and humble' Russell learned from Hamilton

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Williams technical director Paddy Lowe believes that observing Lewis Hamilton at work at Mercedes will have provided some "really valuable" insight for rookie George Russell.

The reigning FIA Formula 2 champion steps in to Grand Prix racing's limelight this year with Williams, but Russell's enters the big time well prepared, groomed by his development role with Mercedes in the past few years.

The 20-year-old hopeful recently said that lurking in the wings at Mercedes on race weekends and observing the work ethic of five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had been a refreshing experience.

Insight into Hamilton's work ethic 'refreshing' for Russell

And Lowe agrees that Williams' new driver likely gained some useful knowledge from closely watching Hamilton at work.

"I think that would be really valuable," Lowe told Motorsport.com.

"Drivers can have a tendency to work in their own bubble and by nature they are super competitive, so you are wired up to think you are the best."

"That’s the definition of the ultimate competitor, which is what you want in a Formula 1 driver, [but] that’s at odds from a personality point of view to look at someone else and say, ‘I want to learn from him’ or ‘I admire him because he’s better than me’.

"It’s counter to your wiring. George is intelligent enough and humble enough to take advantage of and appreciate that privilege to work alongside someone who is undoubtedly well ahead of him at the moment.

"For him to have seen exactly how Lewis works, what are the things he spends his time on, what is his approach, what is his attitude, will prove to be extremely valuable in the future."

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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.