The confirmation of George Russell as a new Mercedes driver is already a mere formality and Lewis Hamilton is aware of this. For this reason, the seven-time champion has changed his speech.
Up to now, Lewis hamilton has been adamant in publicly supporting Valtteri Bottas as a teammate. However, the decision has already been made and George Russell will be the one who will accompany the seven-time world champion at Mercedes next year.
For this reason, Hamilton has changed his attitude to the press, praising the one who will be his future partner and rival. «I think George is an incredibly talented pilot. He is humble, he has a great focus. Naturally, being British, I guess it probably helps, in terms of communication. ‘
“I have raced against some amazing drivers as teammates, in my rookie year alongside Fernando.”
«At this moment I have to be very supportive with my teammate, that’s why I always support Valtteri, because we have a job to do right now. Neither of them can win the team championship alone, ”Hamilton clarifies.
George is the future. I think he has already shown incredible driving and I am sure he will continue to grow.. Where better to do it than in a great team like this, or whatever team I go to? ”, He reflects.
With nothing to prove
There is no doubt that the arrival of George Russell Mercedes could put Lewis Hamilton in a tight spot as the young Brit has shown exceptional natural speed.
However, Hamilton does not consider that he has to prove anything in front of the young hopeful. Not that I have anything to prove. I raced against some amazing drivers as teammates, in my rookie year alongside Fernando (Alonso), so yeah, I really don’t feel like I have anything to prove. “
Hamilton says he and Russell can work well as a team, as the culture at Mercedes allows it. “I am excited to see young people rise. There will be things we learn from each other. I think it is important that respect is always there ».
“We have an incredible environment in our team, in terms of morale, of our processes and how the team embraces the two drivers. That is why we have harmony in our team. I think we are much better prepared than in previous years. So I don’t really care, ”he concludes.