Claire Williams believes George Russell has all the ingredients to become a Formula One world champion – and will not stand in his way if Mercedes call on him to partner Lewis Hamilton next year.

Russell, the British driver from King's Lynn, Norfolk, is set to tackle his second season in the sport following a strong debut campaign.

The 22-year-old is on the books at Mercedes and – after the sport's all-conquering team allowed Esteban Ocon to leave their programme to join Renault – Russell is now effectively first in line to be seated alongside Hamilton if Valtteri Bottas is moved on at the end of the year.

"That brings a certain edge to a driver, but George also understands that it doesn't just take a natural talent to achieve that.

"He can always learn, always grow and build. He is only 22 and he has a very long career ahead of him in this sport."

Russell will have a new team-mate this season after Kubica's comeback lasted just one year.

Canadian Nicholas Latifi occupies the second Williams seat for the new campaign which begins in Melbourne next Sunday.