That is what the 20-year-old has revealed.
It was announced yesterday that highly-rated British youngster Russell would be taking up a seat with Williams for 2019 having signed a multiple-season deal.
Russell is closing in on the Formula Two championship, leading Alexander Albon by 37 points before the final races in Abu Dhabi after claiming the GP3 title in the year before.
He will be the third British driver on the grid after fellow rookie Lando Norris earned a seat with McLaren.
And Russell, who follows compatriot and former world champion Jenson Button by starting off with Williams, has admitted he confided with Hamilton before deciding to make the step up to F1.
Russell is the reserve driver for Hamilton’s championship-chasing Mercedes team having been part of the Silver Arrows’ young driver programme for two years.
The up-and-coming racer was also given a run on track for Force India last year in practice sessions in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he revealed: “I told Lewis in confidence about Williams and we had a good conversation.
“Lewis congratulated me and offered his support.”
And Russell paid tribute to the effort that Hamilton – who leads Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel by 67 points in the current standings with four races remaining of the season – puts into his racing craft.
“It has been a privilege to spend so much time in Lewis’ company,” he added.
“To see how someone I consider to be one of the best drivers ever works is an education I can learn from.
“Some people say he is not overly committed or that he focused on other things. But that could not be further from the truth.
“He works extremely hard. He motivates the team to work in the right direction so well.
“He has a fast car but that is down to the things he says and does within the team.”
Russell’s team-mate has not been announced, although current driver Esteban Ocon could keep his position.
Williams also have Sergey Sirotkin and Robert Kubica to consider, with Lance Stroll expected to leave for Force India after his father led a buy-out of the team earlier this year.
Williams boss Claire Williams said to Sky Sports: “”We are still doing a lot of evaluation work. It’s a short short-list.
“We’re very happy with the drivers we are evaluating and it will not take us a long time to make that final decision.
“Of course Esteban is in the mix. We would be crazy not to be looking at him.”