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Williams' George Russell tipped to reach the same heights as Lewis Hamilton

The rumours of 23-year-old George Russell switching to Mercedes has substantial ground since the Brit is part of their academy setup.

By Nilavro Ghosh | May 17, 2021 | 2 Min Read

George Russell, the 23-year-old driver contracted to Williams could be as good as reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton, reckons Williams’ Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson. Russell has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes in the past couple of years. Valtteri Bottas’ recent performances may force Toto Wolff’s hand to sign the up and comer ahead of the 2022 season. Bottas has struggled on occasions this season and his contract is up by the end of the year. Whether Mercedes renews it is yet to be decided. The rumours of Russell switching to Mercedes have ground since the Brit is part of their academy setup.

Whether Russell partners Hamilton next season or joins some other major team is yet to be seen. Either way, Dave Robson is of the view that Russell can reach the same heights in the sport as seven-time world champion and fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton.

“I think there are definitely some similarities there,” Robson said. “They were obvious from the first time I met George and we ran him in the simulator at Grove. Then we went up and ran him around the airfield in a road car. Again, there was something. There was something there. I think the talent is there. I think he is very close to Lewis and has the potential to get there. For sure,” he concluded.

HAMILTON’S LEGACY

Hamilton will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, therefore it might not be an entirely positive thing if Russell is put under this level of pressure so early in his career. However, if Robson is to be believed, the youngster has the skills to be one of the best. With the right equipment, he could end up being as dominating as the current world champion.

Hamilton comfortably won the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing 15 seconds ahead of his closest championship rival, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. He is currently a seven-time world champion and should he manage to win the season again, he will become a record-breaking eight-time world champion.