'Grumpy' Hamilton rattled by Russell and preoccupied by 'bling' fight - pundits

 • Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton seems to be rattled his new teammate, according to former F1 drivers. • George Russell has finished in the top five positions so far in every race in 2022. • Pundits also believe Hamilton is distracted with his jewellery fight against the FIA.  • For motoring news, go to Wheels24

Lewis Hamilton's problems in 2022 extend further than just an uncompetitive car.

According to Mathias Lauda, the son of F1 legend Niki, the seven-time world champion, is so "grumpy" this year is also because of George Russell.

"He's really having difficulty driving around in the midfield," he told Servus TV.

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"It's still early days, but Lewis has only had problems so far.  For George Russell, on the other hand, everything is new for him in a factory team.

"Lewis lost the title on the last lap of the last race in 2021, and the motivation, I guess, is different now.  And Russell seems fully motivated and is doing a good job."

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher agrees that the arrival of Russell, 24, has unsettled Hamilton.

???? @GeorgeRussell63 ?? @LewisHamilton The @MercedesAMGF1 pair go wheel-to-wheel!#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/smdazWGGOu

"Hamilton is finding out that Russell is of a very different calibre to Bottas," he told formel1.de.

Schumacher says Russell is also very effectively rallying the Mercedes team around him.

"Russell always encourages the people in the team, just like Hamilton.  He is fishing in the same pond as his teammate now," said the German.

"We can see that Russell is just handling the situation better now, and I'm sure that annoys Lewis.  Lewis is obviously selfish, but we all are as drivers.  I used to