Ralf Schumacher says George Russell can beat Lewis Hamilton from season's start

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has said that George Russell is going to be able to beat Lewis Hamilton from the get-go as the two drivers prepare to team up for Mercedes this season.

Mercedes have a new driver line-up with Hamilton retained and Russell coming in to replace Valtteri Bottas, who is going to be driving for Alfa Romeo this season.

Indeed, it’s going to be fascinating watching the two drivers build a new dynamic within the team and Schumacher believes that the new arrival won’t take long to show his illustrious team-mate what he is all about.

“I thought it was interesting how gentle the two drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, were with each other [at the launch],” said Schumacher, quoted by Speedweek.

“The young Russell was very careful with his comments and emphasised he wants to learn a lot now.

“The tone was quite different when George replaced Lewis in Bahrain 2020 (Sakhir Grand Prix when Hamilton had COVID) and drove alongside Valtteri Bottas. But I’m convinced that internally it looks different, and I already believe he can beat Lewis from the start.

“I think Mercedes have a super line-up now.

“There was always a push from us on Sky to change something there. I never quite understood why it took so long to replace Valtteri Bottas.

“I think George Russell is an exceptional talent. Whether he will develop like Lewis Hamilton did remains to be seen. We also have to remember Lewis is 37 years old and Mercedes have to think about the future.”