Button wants to see Russell alongside a competitive teammate

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Jenson Button doesn't doubt George Russell's outstanding talent, but the 2009 F1 world champion would like to see the young Briton race alongside a "competitive" teammate in a midfield outfit before eventually moving to Mercedes in the future.

Russell embarked last month on his second season of Formula 1 with Williams. The 22-year-old is seen as a future star and a prime candidate for a seat at Mercedes in 2022, perhaps alongside Lewis Hamilton.

While Williams' performance has improved this year, the team remains in the third tier of F1's field, at least on race day. Button argues that a season with a top midfield squad would benefit Russell before moving on to the next big level.

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2020 British Grand Prix

"Going up against Lewis is tough anyway but when you’re that inexperienced it’s really difficult," Button told Sky Sports F1.

"I would love to see him in kind of a Renault or Racing Point with a very competitive team-mate, going up against them.

"Because he’s confident, he has proven his speed, his fitness which you really need in Formula 1 now, and his feedback because Williams have made good progress from last year to this year.

"But we need to see him against someone that’s also very competitive."

Williams recently confirmed Russell's presence in the team for a third season in 202, while Valtteri Bottas will in all likelihood remain with Mercedes next year.

But Russell insisted at the time that he would have been ready for a promotion to the Black Arrow squad.

"I’m absolutely ready," he told Crash.net. "I feel ready. I’ve had a year and a bit under my belt, and I would have the remainder of this year.

"But there’s no hard feelings from Mercedes’ perspective, there’s nothing more they could do. Ultimately, I have a contract here at Williams."

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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.