Formula 1: Former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has been really impressed by George Russell and gives his honest verdict on his successor as the young Brit has successfully adapted to the challenge of partnering Lewis Hamilton at Silver Arrows. Follow Formula 1 and French GP LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
After the Austrian Grand Prix, Bottas told the reporters, “I think George has done great, as expected. Especially as I know myself how tricky it is to beat Lewis, so yeah, he’s been doing a good job.”
The Finn enjoyed five years with the Silver Arrows and had a mixed experience all through. He won 10 races and finished on the podium handful more times. But consistently felt he was in his unquestionably successful colleague’s shadow.
There were worries that Russell, who acquired his Mercedes seat the same way as Bottas with noteworthy outcomes at Williams, could fall into a similar trap. In any case, the 23-year-old has commendably held his own up to this point this season, proving himself capable of out-performing Hamilton now and again.
Awesome recovery drive George! Brilliant P4 at the Red Bull Ring 💪 pic.twitter.com/NzVo8p2C2A
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 10, 2022
Moreover, especially attractive has been his consistency. Other than at the British Grand Prix, where his participation was finished after only a couple of moments when he was taken out in a multi-car accident at the first corner, Russell has completed in the top five at each and every race.
Death. Taxes. Seeing this @F1 graphic on a Monday. ❤️ https://t.co/0t8Yk9wums
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 20, 2022
Those results have even put him in front of Hamilton in the standings, with the young Brit enjoying a 19-point advantage over the seven-time title holder. Bottas, who presently races with Alfa Romeo, is more than impressed with Russell and what he has achieved so far.
The Brit could have expected to be in the running for race wins and world championship this year, however, his debut season with Mercedes has seen a dip in the team’s performance. They neglected to match any likes of Red Bull and Ferrari while planning their 2022 vehicle, and have been playing catch-up ever since.
Regardless of the disappointments, Russell has enjoyed the challenge up to this point and is generally satisfied with the performances and results he has been getting. “As drivers, you want to finish ahead of everybody, of course, and that includes your teammate,” Russell said.
“I knew the challenge I faced ahead of the season, going up against Lewis, and I’ve seen first-hand just how great he is. I think in any sport you often get into a bit of a groove and a bit of a rhythm. Then things seemingly go for you or seemingly go against you. But I think I obviously had quite a good run,” Russell further added.
“Those first nine races I’d say we’re pretty good, maybe eight races. The last two races have been a bit more tricky for me, of course. But [I’m] glad to be back to just try and get back on that run. But yeah I think we’ve seen in the last couple of races just how fast Lewis is,” Russell concluded.
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