Lewis Hamilton and George Russell They have made the perfect couple in Mercedes. It has undoubtedly helped that the pressure was less because neither of them was a contender for the title. Compete against the Red Bull of max verstappen it was impossible all season.
Would that situation change if the silver arrows fought for the World Cup? Russell, in statements collected by ‘Motorsport’, has highlighted the “harmony” of the team: “The relationship has been harmonious. What has impressed me most about Lewis is seeing how he works with the team, how he gets the most out of the people around him, how he continues to keep morale high when times are tough.”
“Ultimately, what I already knew was how fast he is and what a challenge it is to partner with a guy like him,” explains the young British driver.
He did feel the pressure in Brazil, when he got the victory just ahead of Hamilton: “Have Lewis in my rear view mirrorsknowing that he was only 1.3 seconds behind, made it an incredible pressure situation.”
“When I crossed the finish line I felt a huge relief. Knowing that we had won as a team, but also on a personal level, knowing that I had handled the situation and the pressure was something I was very proud of,” says Russell.
That race, of course, qualifies it as the most special moment of his first season at Mercedes: “My best moment on the track was without a doubt Brazil. Obviously, it was a very special moment for me to win my first grand prix”.
“Illusion” for 2023
Everyone is waiting for Mercedes in the fight next year. What happened in 2022 is not usual, where they have suffered numerous problems almost since the preseason. Russell is also confident: “Knowing the potential we have in this team, I feel very excited for 2023″.
“Obviously, after a setback like the one in 2022it is very exciting to know that we have the chance to come back and fight again in 2023″, has sentenced the young English driver.