The archetypal baby-faced assassin of Formula 1, George Russell, has begun his first day at Kindergarten, otherwise known as Mercedes AMG F1.  The F1 team is nestled away opposite a quiet cul-de-sac in Brackley, England. You will not notice the infrastructure as you drive past it on the A43 near the sleepy town of Towcester as it is hidden behind a parade of trees and flora. The Silverstone race circuit is a mere 8-miles away.

And George Russell ought not to arrive sleepy-eyed as he takes his first baby steps into what is for him, a new paradigm shift. The former Formula 2 and GP3 champion has already proved himself at Williams. But he still has so much more to prove. He will know that he is only as good as his last race.

Russell will receive plaudits if he performs, and the plaudits will be removed just as quick if he performs poorly over the course of a grand prix weekend. Moreover, Russell will have to show the form of his life against Lewis Hamilton. Every race. Past championship wins mean nothing, for Russell this is the great reset.

Taking on Lewis Hamilton will require a new level of performance. For now, on his first day at his new home, Russell is all smiles. But taking on a driver of Hamilton’s caliber can wipe the smile off the happiest of teammates.