Mercedes to "rely heavily" on Russell input in new F1 era - Hamilton

Sam Hall
Monday 29 November 2021 16:15

Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes will "rely heavily" on driver feedback as the team adapts to the new era of F1 regulations in 2022.

Mercedes will field a new driver pairing for the first time since 2017 next season after a five-year partnership between Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with George Russell making the step up from Williams to replace the Finn.

F1 enters a new era next year with a radically changed aerodynamic formula aimed at boosting racing excitement, with teams banking on driver input to drive the early stages of development after the cars hit the track for the first time.

Asked if he would take a lead on the development of the new car, Hamilton answered: "I think we rely on both of our inputs.

"At the end of the day, it is a car that will be built and designed around both of us. Obviously, we have a standing structure in how the car behaves and is something we have developed over time.

"George has driven that in the past and he will be a part of that development just as I am."

Although the new regulations mean there is virtually no carryover from this year's machinery to next season, Hamilton maintained he is working to prevent the team from retaining its current weaknesses.

"As I am driving the current car, I know where the weaknesses are and what I want in next year's car and that is something I am working hard to make sure we have that we will both benefit from," Hamilton added.

"But as I said, once we get to the first test, the team will rely heavily on mine and George's input."