Alonso singles out his top pick among F1's young guns

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Fernando Alonso is impressed with the quality of Formula 1's young talent, but the Spaniard says one driver in particular "surprises" him every weekend.

Alonso is currently preparing for his return to the grid with Renault in 2021. The two-time world champion is embedded with the French outfit at Imola this weekend as part of his groundwork for next season.

Alonso's attention is focused on Renault's inner workings, but he is also a close observant of the performances of his future rivals, up and down field.

F1 is flush with young talent, both in terms of quantity and quality, but Alonso says George Russell gets top billing in his book.

"I think there are very talented drivers now in Formula 1," Alonso told Sky F1's Simon Lazenby.

"They all came with very nice preparation as well with driver academies that build the performance and the talent, helping them from a very young age. Now they are doing their job.

"From all of them, George Russell is the one that surprises me every weekend. How he's driving the Williams. Zero mistakes. I'm really surprised about his natural speed.

"So if I have to say one name, Russell for the future is going to be my pick."

Read also: Williams ends speculation - firmly confirms Russell for 2021

Williams' FW43 hasn't allowed Russell to fight for a spot among the top-ten on race, although he has come close to scoring a point on occasion.

However, the Mercedes protégé has upheld his 100 per cent qualifying record against his teammate in the last 33 races.

On Friday, Williams team principal Simon Roberts finally confirmed that Russell will remain with the British outfit for 2021, putting to rest the recent speculation that surrounded his 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.