Lewis Hamilton’s boots are too small for George Russell’s size-11 feet, but the young Briton will still have big shoes to fill as he prepares to stand in for the seven-time Formula One world champion at Sunday’s Sakhir Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old Russell has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime, vaulting from his back-of-the-grid Williams into the dominant Mercedes alongside Valtteri Bottas, after Hamilton tested positive for Covid-19.

The challenges are many for Russell but none so much as slotting into a cockpit constructed for Hamilton which has forced him to squeeze into smaller shoes.

“My size-11 feet were a struggle so I’m having to wear a shoe a size smaller than would be ideal,” said Russell. “So that’s slightly uncomfortable but I’m sure I can endure the pain.”

The temporary promotion has been viewed in some quarters as a head-to-head between Russell and Bottas for a seat at the world champion team in 2022.

But Russell, who is yet to score a point in his Formula One career, isn’t letting the pressure, thoughts of a maiden pole position or even victory in a car that has won 13 of this season’s 15 races get to him.

He, however, looked perfectly at home in Hamilton’s Mercedes during Friday’s opening practice by going fastest on his debut as the seven-time champion’s stand-in. Russell set a time of 54.546 seconds with Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon completing the top three in their Red Bulls.

“I’m going to go out there, I’m going to enjoy it,” he told reporters via video conference earlier. “There’s been no targets, no expectations expected from me by (team principal) Toto (Wolff), by Mercedes, because you can’t judge somebody off the back of one race.”

Russell’s career has been backed by Mercedes but he has been placed at engine-customer Williams, with whom he made his Formula One debut in 2019, to learn the ropes.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, one of a group of young racers that includes Russell who grew up together, says he would bet on the Briton winning Sunday’s race.

“I think he will show how much of a good driver he is this weekend,” said Leclerc.

“A podium at least, but I could bet on a win.”