"We'll see his magic again": Russell has no doubts about the success of the Hamilton-Ferrari marriage

The 100% British duo coexisted for three seasons, with occasional slight tensions, but always with mutual respect. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell wore the colors of Mercedes together from 2022 to 2024: the first was at the twilight of his adventure with the star firm, after losing the title in 2021. George Russell was beginning his story with Mercedes after three seasons of waiting at Williams.

Between the two men, the transition happened naturally over the months: the younger one settled in and became a powerful leader, ready to take over from Lewis Hamilton, who chose to take on the final challenge of his career with FerrariThe seven-time world champion and his former garage neighbour have always had a good relationship, and Russell is full of praise when it comes to the forty-year-old.

"After Fernando [Alonso], he's the most experienced driver on the grid, a seven-time world champion, and he's an incredible person and racing driver, praises the Mercedes driver, second in the Bahrain Grand Prix. We saw it in China, the second race of the season: pole for the Sprint, then an easy victory. I know what he is capable of, and it is never easy to arrive in a new team with such competition, but he is an exceptional driver and I am sure that, when everything starts to fall into place, like in China, we will see that magic again.

ALSO READ > Mercedes focuses its efforts and intends to "fight for victories"

Russell believes in Hamilton, less in his own title chances

The start of the season has so far been a little below expectations for Ferrari, which is still chasing its first podium. Lewis Hamilton continues to find its bearings and gradually adapt to a car diametrically opposed to the one he piloted during the previous twelve years.

Paradoxically, his former team, Mercedes, is doing better at the start of the year thanks to a sparkling George Russell. The Briton has already secured three podium finishes in four races and is demonstrating impressive consistency. Is he a credible contender for the title? The King's Lynn native isn't keen on rushing things.

"My ambition is to fight for the world title and, realistically, we don't have a car that can compete with that. McLaren, regrets Russell. They probably could have finished first and second in every race this year, but they gave us a few chances. Max [Verstappen] and I have probably been on the podium once or twice too often thanks to a few small mistakes, and we take them willingly, but I doubt that will continue for 24 races."

The Mercedes leader has the opportunity to climb onto his 19th podium in Formula 1 this weekend in Saudi Arabia, on a track where he finished 4th at best in 2023. A new top 3 would make him equal to Patrick Depailler and Mario Andretti, 1978 world champion, who each have 19 podiums, as do Dan Gurney and Giancarlo Fisichella.

ALSO READ > Lewis Hamilton must 'break his habits' to shine in Jeddah