George Russell has been one of the biggest finds for Mercedes amid a troubled season for the eight-time constructors’ champions. The former Williams driver started his rookie season with the Silver Arrows this year, replacing Valtteri Bottas. He was even highly impressive as he had a much better start to the season than his champion teammate Lewis Hamilton. While Lewis stumbled, the 24-year-old put up ten top-five finishes out of the eleven races in 2022. He just missed out on the race at his home in Silverstone after an opening lap collision with Zhou Gyanyu, resulting in Mercedes’ first retirement this season.
While George Russell has shown consistency, the proposing and pace troubles with the W13 have troubled the team in the background. Recently, Hamilton talked about the positiveness George Russell brings to the table. The journey this season has not been easy. However, the two Mercedes drivers have fought hard. And as a result, Lewis clinched three straight podiums in Canada, Silverstone, and Austria. Lewis revealed that Mercedes had made the right choice by recruiting Russell.
Lewis Hamilton Feels Russell Can Lead Mercedes
Talking to Formula1.com, Hamilton said he and Russell work together quite well. He reckoned that working with the younger Briton has been pleasant rather than tough. Moreover, Lewis talked about the positive impact George has on the work environment. The Mercedes driver shared that it had been a real pleasure working with his teammate and witnessing his success.
Hamilton hoped that George would continue to do a great job. He will secure more points and continue to improve for a long time. The Briton thinks that Russell has great potential in him, and he was at the right place for it at Mercedes. Lewis hoped to be a part of his teammate’s success. He concluded, “I really think that whether I’m here or not, he has all the qualities to help take this team forward in the future and lead them to success.”
Russell Provides Realistic View On His Mercedes Future
George Russell has appeared to be quite sensible in his comments this year. While Russell would enjoy being with Mercedes for a long time, he reckoned this his immediate success would define his future ahead. The Mercedes driver claimed that he likes to look at things with a bit of objectivity.
Talking at the Beyond The Grid podcast, Russell mentioned that things change quickly in F1. He admitted that signing a contract with Mercedes was a huge moment for him. They are undoubtedly the greatest team of the era. However, George added, “But if I don’t perform, if I go and get my arse kicked by the greatest driver of all time. What does it mean? Because in a year’s time I’ll probably be out the door.”