Russell stated emphatically during the launch of Mercedes' 2022 contender last week that Hamilton and himself must first and foremost work together.
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Ralf Schumacher, a former Formula One driver, believes George Russell will beat Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from the start. While everyone is focused on Formula One’s new cars and how they will affect the show on the track and the pecking order, the rivalry between Hamilton and his new teammate at Mercedes could quickly polarise the sport’s fans’ attention. Russell stated emphatically during the launch of Mercedes’ 2022 contender last week that Hamilton and himself must first and foremost work together and not focus on each other.
Russell’s remarks, however, haven’t dampened speculation that the 24-year-old is eager to make an impression with the Brackley squad and take on Hamilton head-on. In response to the possibility of a rivalry developing at Mercedes, Schumacher believes Russell will rise to the occasion quickly.
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“I thought it was interesting how gentle the two drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, were with each other [at Mercedes’ launch],” the German told Speedweek. “The young Russell was very careful with his comments and emphasized he wants to learn a lot now.”
“The tone was quite different when George replaced Lewis in Bahrain 2020 and drove alongside Valtteri Bottas. But I’m convinced that internally it looks different, and I already believe he can beat Lewis from the start,” he added.
Although there is a risk of chaos at Mercedes if things between Hamilton and Russell get out of hand, Schumacher believes the team made the right decision in bringing Russell on board. “I think Mercedes have a super line-up now,” he continued.
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“There was always a push from us on Sky [Schumacher is a pundit on Sky Germany] to change something there. I never quite understood why it took so long to replace Valtteri Bottas. I think George Russell is an exceptional talent. Whether he will develop like Lewis Hamilton did remains to be seen. We also have to remember Lewis is 37 years old and Mercedes have to think about the future,” he added.
