George Russell has revealed Fernando Alonso’s comment “meant a lot to him” after the Spaniard labelled him a future Formula One world champion, as the 23-year-old eyes up a seat at Mercedes.

Russell won the praise of the two-time world champion ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with the pair having swapped helmets after the Monaco Grand Prix which was won by Max Verstappen.

“George, you rock!! Future World Champ”, read the message from Alonso as he gifted his Alpine helmet to the Mercedes junior driver, with Russell tweeting, “This one means a lot. Gracias, legend.”

Russell in return, gave a red-and-blue Williams helmet of his own after Williams completed their 750th Grand Prix in Monte Carlo.

Afterwards, Alonso reiterated his praise for the 23-year-old, admitting he was “definitely very impressed”.

“I said also last year when I was following the sport that I think he has been very, very impressive with the performance we saw in the Williams,” added Alonso.

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