George Russell, the very newcomer to Mercedes, joined the team in 2022 and saved the team’s pride by rounding off the season with at least one win. Everyone is proud of the junior Mercedes driver. He did a great job when even the seven-time world champion could not. Russell spectacularly clinched P4, and 34 points more than Hamilton, who got P6 in the driver’s standings.
During his time with Williams, George Russell struggled to secure points. And, now look at this boy; he is struggling to win the championship, beating Lewis Hamilton. Indeed, the W13 was the worst car Mercedes has ever, and winning a race, a maiden race with that WORST car is a big deal. The 24-year-old Mercedes driver made himself worthy of the question, “What will Russell do if he gets the best Mercedes car?”
And as a matter of fact, Russell has claimed that just in 2023, Mercedes is bringing the best one to regain their dignity. Despite W13 being the weakest Mercedes car, it still was the best from what Russell got in Williams. Speaking in favor of his new dream team, George Russell claimed, “Mercedes has not forgotten how to build a fast car. Just that the team got the philosophy wrong. The route we chose turned out to be wrong.” However, it definitely does not mean that Mercedes will continue choosing the wrong path. Once the mistake has been done, it won’t be repeated again. In 2023, especially, when its star driver, Lewis Hamilton, is very much nearer to breaking his own record of seven championships.
“Hamilton Is The Greatest Of All, And I Privileged To Be His Teammate”- George Russell
The 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix winner feels “very privileged” to be a teammate of Hamilton. In an interview earlier, he revealed that due to Hamilton, he was saved from controversies. Hamilton being a seven-time world champion, won zero races while Russell won one, gave a positive impact on Russell’s image. Otherwise, winning just ONE race is not a score Mercedes fans ever imagined of.
However, not only for the criticizing part, Russell is obliged because, in Mercedes, he felt too welcomed. Hamilton was proved to be a true mate. He made him feel more than comfortable and respectable despite considering him a newcomer with not much experience. For Lewis Hamilton, George Russell said, “He is the GOAT. And I am so privileged to go up directly alongside him [someone like the seven-time world champion]. Not only that, but I also learn from him.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, George Russell revealed that he is not at all proud of himself just because he won a race and saved Merceded from going winless. This is because fighting for P4, P5, and P6 is not what he aims for. Finishing the champion at a 4th position is not something that satisfies Russell. “I am here to WIN. I am very much excited about the upcoming season. And I am going to improve my driving skills.” said the ex-Williams driver with hopes of getting a better Mercedes car in the championship fight of 2023.
