Hamilton Mercedes motivation "inspiring" - Russell

Mercedes

Hamilton Mercedes motivation "inspiring" - Russell

Hamilton has endured his worst start to an F1 season since 2009

Sam Hall

Thursday 5 May 2022 12:44

George Russell has revealed how Lewis Hamilton's willingness to push through Mercedes' tough start to the F1 season is "inspiring" the team.

Mercedes has made its worst start to an F1 campaign since Hamilton's first year with the Silver Arrows in 2013.

Although Russell has been able to benefit from issues for others to finish every race so far in the top five, Hamilton has not been so fortunate with Imola an unwanted low point as he finished 13th having been lapped by last season's championship rival Max Verstappen.

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But despite the difficulties, Russell explained how Hamilton's determination to push through this difficult spell continues to inspire the team.

“I expect him to come back so strong and the way he is pushing and is motivating the team is inspiring," said Russell.

"I’m not getting comfortable in this position because I know what he is capable of."

Mercedes "can't sustain" results without improvement

Russell's streak of top-five finishes means he is the only driver to have achieved the feat so far this season, despite the W13's lack of competitiveness.

Asked if the run of form was a confidence-builder for him and his team, he replied: “Absolutely. I think in terms of results, we’re definitely getting the most out of it and things have definitely fallen our way in these first four races.

“It gives me and I’m sure it gives the team confidence that when the car improves we will be there to get even more points on the board.

“But as I said before, we can’t sustain this level of these results if we don’t improve the pace of the car.”