Lewis Hamilton would have hoped to set the record straight in 2022 after a horrific end to the 2021 championship. The Briton was gravely affected by the events that transpired during the final race in Abu Dhabi, where Max Verstappen passed him in the final lap to win his first world championship. Hamilton would have counted on turning things around during the new season introduced with new regulations. However, the Silver Arrows failed to get their design right and were forced to bear the frustrating porpoising phenomenon.
While Red Bull and Ferrari kept winning, Mercedes has failed to record a single victory under their name before the summer break in a long time. However, there have been some significant changes in how the W13 has performed in the last five races. Lewis Hamilton has shown why he is still the best in the business by securing five podiums in the last five races. He and George Russell clinched two consecutive double podiums in France and Hungary for the German team. Thus, Hamilton could still keep his record of winning at least a single race every season since his debut in 2007.
However, former world champ Nigel Mansell has claimed that Hamilton has not been completely focused and was ‘taking it easy’ during the first half of the 2022 season. The former British driver also praised George Russell and Lando Norris for their impressive performances so far this year. Mansell said, “I think the opportunity that George has cast on the fact that Lewis Hamilton hasn’t decided to dust off his right foot yet. I think he’s taking it easy.”
Mansell Appreciated George Russell & Lando Norris For Their Efforts
Russell is in his rookie season at Mercedes and has been quite consistent so far. He has finished every race in the top five except Silverstone, where he crashed in the opening lap. The 24-year-old is ahead of his seven-time world champ teammate Lewis in the drivers’ standings. George is fourth while Hamilton is in sixth place, 12 points behind his younger teammate. Moreover, Lewis is 112 points behind the leading Max Verstappen. So, the Briton is unlikely to challenge the Dutchman for the title this year. Thus, Mansell felt that Lewis Hamilton may not have given everything during the first half of the season.
Nigel also commended Lando Norris‘ performance for McLaren this year. The 69-year-old said, “Russell is doing a great job. And I think Lando, when the car is performing, he’s put some great results in.”