Sky F1 pundit suggests shifting dynamic between Hamilton and Russell
Sky F1 pundit suggests shifting dynamic between Hamilton and Russell
Sky F1 pundit Natalie Pinkham anticipates an eventual shift in dynamic between the Mercedes teammates, suggesting that George Russell may seek to assert himself.
It was announced prior to the Italian Grand Prix weekend that both Russell and teammate Lewis Hamilton had signed contract extensions until the end of 2025.
With recent on-track tensions between the two Mercedes drivers, speculation has arisen suggesting that Russell is eager to establish himself as a formidable competitor alongside his seven-time world champion teammate.
Speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, Sky F1 Pundit Pinkham discussed the relationship between the two drivers, despite the recent tension.
“What’s interesting is the dynamic between the seven-time World Champion in Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Pinkham said. “OK, he’s no longer a rookie, he’s kind of more established in the team now.
“But I find it really interesting because, at some point, there’s going to be a changing of the guard on that team. How hard does Russell push it now, in order to sort of gain authority, gain acceptance? Obviously that mistake in Singapore, he said himself: ‘What am I, a rookie?' That was a mistake that felt [like] inexperience, it didn’t feel like a mistake that Lewis would make.
“So, I feel that George is keen to assert himself at the moment, he wants to forget Singapore and say, ‘You know what, I can be a team leader’. There’s no doubt that he can, he’s just not quite to the level of Lewis yet. But, at some point, there’s going to be a sort of handing over of the baton, if you like.”
READ MORE: Ricciardo decision 'made' ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix
Mercedes Teammates
Russell outperformed his British teammate in the 2022 F1 season finishing P4 in the drivers’ championship, ahead of Hamilton in P6.
Yet this season Russell has fallen short of Hamilton’s experience, currently sitting 75 points behind him in the championship.
Speculation about tension between the teammates first emerged following the Japanese Grand Prix weekend when both drivers were prioritising their individual positions rather team strategies.
Nevertheless, Russell has previously affirmed that the relationship between the two Mercedes drivers forms a constructive dynamic, stating there is no rivalry.
“We have a very open relationship with Lewis," Russell said to Autohebdo. “I think it has to do with the fact that we are at different stages in our careers. There's a lot of mutual respect between us.
“When you have a team-mate of the same generation and at a similar level, that's when it gets messy in a team. Relationships are better when there is a clear number one, or when both drivers are at different stages of their careers, like Lewis and I."
“We don't fight for position, we just fight for the best position. You don't fight for the number one position in the team. My future is here, in this team. I know that. So there is no rivalry. I'm not here to fight with my team-mate, but to win.”
Pinkham concluded that Russell is neither intimidated by his more experienced teammate but rather sees him as the ideal successor.
“He’s not overawed by being in a team with a multiple world champion,” she added. “That ticks a lot of boxes. He’s level-headed, he’s mature and he’s prepared to be self-critical as well, in the same way that say Charles [Leclerc] is because he will take himself off and talk to himself.
“He beat himself up about [Singapore], but he’s also learned from it. So he’s a work in progress, there’s no doubt. I don’t know how long that timeline is for him. But I guess it will be when Lewis ultimately retires that he will take over from the team, but he’s got a long career ahead of him, no doubt.”
While it remains to be seen if Russell will prove to be a suitable replacement for Hamilton, he'll have to wait a bit longer before assuming the team leader role.
READ MORE: Aston Martin driver gives timeframe on when women will enter F1
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Hamilton dealt major Newey blow as shock COMPLICATION revealed
- 16 minutes ago
F1 News Today: Incredible Verstappen exit clause reignites F1 rival talks as Mercedes milestone reveals shock RED livery
- 2 hours ago
Horner outlines Ricciardo target to save F1 dream as major Newey announcement made - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Mercedes reveal shock RED livery to celebrate historic milestone
- Yesterday 22:57
Ricciardo makes five-race admission in bid to survive F1 axe
- Yesterday 21:57
Red Bull is 'burning' after Horner and Marko display
- Yesterday 20:57
Related news
Mercedes reveal shock RED livery to celebrate historic milestone
Verstappen 'to meet Mercedes over SHOCK 2025 move as Red Bull exit clause revealed'
BLOW for former F1 champion as Mercedes preferences revealed
Mercedes star tipped to replace struggling driver THIS season
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860