Russell backs Hamilton to become ‘whole different beast’ again

When the Mercedes car is capable again, George Russell expects his team-mate Lewis Hamilton to return to his best form.

Russell became Hamilton’s new team-mate ahead of the 2022 campaign, a formidable task as he looked to compete against the driver who has won six of his seven Drivers’ Championships in Mercedes colours.

Mercedes, though, are not in 2022 title contention judging by their form so far.

Instead, the Silver Arrows are battling to remain at the head of the midfield pack and Russell, rather than Hamilton, has been their shining light in that regard.

Russell has not finished any lower than P5 so far this season, that including three P3 finishes, taking him to 99 points after eight rounds. Hamilton has scored 62.

However, if Mercedes were scrapping at the front, Russell reckons Hamilton would be back to his best.

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Put to him by Sky Sports F1 he must be very pleased with his great start at Mercedes, outperforming Hamilton in seven of eight races, Russell replied: “If you had told me that before the season started, I’d have been very pleased and I’d have obviously taken it.

“Ordinarily, if you finish ahead of Lewis you’ve probably either won the race or almost guaranteed the podium. So things are obviously different. But I know how capable and great Lewis is. And I know once we’ve got the car, I’m