George Russell makes true Lewis Hamilton feelings known as Brit sends public message

George Russell sent a heartfelt message to Lewis Hamilton on Instagram following the release of the F1 movie in the UK on Wednesday. The Mercedes star thanked his former team-mate for 'all the efforts he has done for the sport'. Russell and Hamilton spent three years alongside one another in the Mercedes garage before Hamilton's move to Ferrari, staying civil throughout despite a number of tense and hard-fought on-track battles.

Now, the 27-year-old is helping to guide the seven-time world champion's replacement, Kimi Antonelli. During his final seasons with Mercedes, Hamilton was working a second role as a producer on Joseph Kosinski's F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. The 40-year-old was tasked with calling out unrealistic moments in the script, increasing the project's authenticity.

Hamilton was rewarded with glitzy premieres in New York and London ahead of the official release on Wednesday. In the United States, the movie will release on Friday. The drivers, however, have already seen the finished project after the seven-time world champion organised an advanced screening.

Russell, who was impressed with his former team-mate's efforts, posted an Instagram story with a heartfelt message attached. "Lewis, thanks for all the efforts you've done for the sport and this movie man," he wrote. "Super cool!"

The comments accompanied a repost of Hamilton's own Instagram update. The legendary racer attached some snaps of himself and Pitt at Silverstone ahead of some filming sessions.

"Four years in the making - what a journey it's been," he wrote. "I'm incredibly grateful to everyone at Apple and Warner Bros. for believing in us and partnering with such heart and vision. To Joe and Jerry - thank you.

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"I've learned so much from both of you, and it's truly been an honour to work alongside you. These were taken on our very first day on track, with Brad at Silverstone looking into Copse Corner. What a moment. One of those memories that stick with you.

"We've poured everything we have into this film. I really hope you'll feel that when you watch it. We gave it our all and we can't wait for you to see it. Go check it out as soon as you can, it's out today in the UK and out in the US on Friday. Hope you love it."