Mercedes: James Allison issues JUDGEMENT on Lewis Hamilton and George Russell title chances

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell crashed into each other in Qatar — Photo: © LAT Images

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Mercedes chief issues JUDGEMENT on Hamilton and Russell title chances

James Allison is optimistic heading into 2024

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Tuesday 12 December 2023 22:57

Mercedes chief technical officer James Allison has said that the team need to provide seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and his team-mate George Russell with better equipment so that they can challenge for race wins and titles.

Hamilton has not been able to secure a race victory since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while Russell claimed Mercedes' only race win of the past two seasons at the 2022 Brazilian GP.

The team have struggled with inconsistent car performance, and have followed up eight consecutive constructors world championships with two seasons of mediocre results.

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Now, Allison has been talking about the chances of either of the two drivers being able to challenge for championships in the short term, or at least becoming regular race winners once more.

George Russell was the last Mercedes driver to win a Grand Prix, at the Brazilian GP in 2022

Lewis Hamilton has not won a race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, whilst Max Verstappen has won 35 since then

James Allison has been a big part of Mercedes' success over the years

Mercedes need to do better

“They need us to provide them with the equipment,” Allison told Sky Sports’ end of year review show.

“Lewis has proved seven times that he’s world championship material. And he was the highest-scoring non-Red Bull driver this year.

“George has made one or two errors in the year but equally you’ve seen very strong performances from him in a number of races this year. It’s been quite a good learning experience for him in his second season with us.

“I’m certain that both men with the right equipment could both be world champions if they fought hard and well enough.”

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes George Russell James Allison