'Lewis will come back stronger' - Russell expecting Hamilton to bounce back soon

Mercedes driver George Russell doesn't expect to remain above teammate Lewis Hamilton in the Driver's Championship for very long.

After a tough start to the 2022 season, seven-time world Champion Hamilton trails his junior teammate by 21 points and three places.

On the other hand, Russell has been extremely impressive, especially since the Mercedes has not been among the quickest cars to start the year.

However, despite their differing fortunes, Russell has no illusions about who is the senior driver.

"Lewis has clearly got the pace," Russell told Sky Sports F1. "He's incredibly fast, and he's shown that so far this year, but it's just been tricky for us as a team to get it done when the time is needed."When things have been more stable, Lewis has still been massively fast.

"I know there was a bit of a blip last weekend, but I have no doubt he's going to come back, and the way he's pushing the team and motivating the team is truly inspiring.

"We all want more. He wants more. Nobody is happy with the position we're in currently.

We are equally struggling. When the car is so far out of bed and not in the right window, it doesn't really feel like a proper racing car to drive.

"But Lewis will come back stronger; I have no doubt. He's definitely going to be pushing me all the way.

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