Lewis Hamilton says the dynamic with George Russell has been “pleasant” since he joined Mercedes from Williams.
Much like Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari or Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull before him, this season, the seven-time world champion will have to fend off a next-generation talent trying to establish himself at a top team at the expense of what you might call the old guard.
As a result, many are excited to see how Russell, who has rarely had the car to show his potential, will perform against Hamilton.
Also Read:
- Russell backs up Hamilton on Mercedes pace: Rivals ‘a step ahead’
- Hamilton expecting Russell ‘heat’ in 2022, won’t push for lead driver status
However, so far, things are off to a steady start.
“He’s gelled very easily into the team,” Hamilton said via F1i.com.
“We worked together previously in the engineering room for plenty of races in the past, where he just sat behind me and kind of watched everything I did, and the same with Valtteri [Bottas].
“He knew everyone, so it’s been seamless. We’re working together, communicating a lot in terms of set-up direction, so it’s working really well.
“I think George is naturally incredibly talented and very, very focused,” he added.
“So far it seems very genuine and he’s just focused on being the best team player he can be. That’s so far what I see.
“It’s pleasant for everyone in the team. It seems very seamless and everyone’s just working, keeping their heads down and working collectively as a team and as a unit.”
F1 2022. Let’s go. ? pic.twitter.com/o3Veby142d
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 18, 2022
After a few years when Russell’s predecessor Bottas was seen as merely a ‘wingman’ for Hamilton, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insists that wasn’t true then, and won’t be true for George.
“We’ve never had a situation of a number one and two driver, they’ve had equal opportunities and the same car,” he told Sky Sports.
“This year, the interesting situation we have with George, he is an up-and-coming star, and undoubtedly, the best Formula 1 driver ever in the other seat.
“The dynamic is new and clearly is something we will try steer in a direction that has the most effect on developing the car and making us overall competitive.”
