Lewis Hamilton no different about George Russell as Mercedes team-mate despite stellar qualifying

Hamilton, Russell, Mercedes, Williams, Belgium — Photo: © LAT Images

Belgian Grand Prix

Hamilton no different about Russell as Mercedes team-mate despite stellar qualifying

Russell will start second at the Belgian GP

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Sunday 29 August 2021 11:00

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Lewis Hamilton has insisted he feels no different about Mercedes' driver situation for 2022 after George Russell's stellar qualifying performance for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Williams driver Russell will start on the front row at Spa-Francorchamps after being pipped to pole by the final lap of qualifying from Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Toto Wolff has confirmed a decision has been taken on whether to promote Russell or keep Valtteri Bottas, who Hamilton had previously said he remained 'loyal' to.

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Asked if he felt the same way about Russell becoming his team-mate after what was described as a seemingly lukewarm reception so far, Hamilton said: "I don’t feel any different.

"George has been doing a great job all year. This doesn’t really change anything, really.

"I’m sure he’s got pressure on him just as Valtteri does to do the job and it’s great to see him delivering. I can’t fault him for it."

Russell vows to "never lift foot off the throttle"

Russell and Bottas held talks over their futures during the summer break and despite such distraction in the background, the British driver has highlighted the importance of never losing focus from doing his absolute best on track.

"I think Formula One’s a pretty ruthless sport," said Russell.

"There’s only opportunity for 20 drivers in the world and there’s probably plenty more drivers who are deserving to be in Formula 1.

"Regardless, from my personal experience, of these contract talks at the moment, you’ve got to keep showing what you can do and never lift your foot off the throttle.

"If you do, there’ll be a youngster coming through, trying to take your seat and then you can never be complacent so, regardless, I’m out every weekend to do 120 per cent."