It was arguably the biggest Formula 1 announcement this season – how Lewis Hamilton learned the fate of his new Mercedes team-mate.
George Russell has definitely impressed in a Williams car this year, scooping up some top 10 finishes that many believe is better than the specs he drives.
That may have been proven at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, when Russell was used as a replacement for the coronavirus-positive Hamilton in a Mercedes car.
After being in the lead for most of the race, he eventually had to make a pit stop because his team gave him the wrong tires. Sergio Pérez finally won that day.
A young George Russell follows Lewis Hamilton through the paddock, holding two of his books ready to be signed.
Next season they are teammates at Mercedes 
pic.twitter.com/x0CV57Kb6t
– Sport Social (@TheSportSocial) September 14, 2021
Former Channel 4 driver David Coulthard believes it won’t take the couple long to forge a burgeoning rivalry.
“It will be absolute,” said Coulthard of the potential to “toast” between Hamilton and Russell. “It will be the genesis of George versus the driver of a couple of generations.”
Hamilton had a lot of conflicts when he started with Mercedes thanks to a tumultuous relationship with Nico Rosberg. Valtteri Bottas has lightened the mood a bit.
Coulthard believes that Russell will have an unprecedented experience with his new team. “He wasn’t pushed by any of his team-mates. It will be very different with Lewis.”
“In the beginning he will just be young and full of energy, he will be fresh and then he will be worn down by the intransigence of Lewis and at that point he will grow as a man.”
It is official. Next year I’ll be a Mercedes F1 driver. This is a special day for me and I would like to say a big thank you to @WilliamsRacing, @ MercedesAMGF1 and everyone who helped me get where I am today. Without each and every one of you, I wouldn’t have made it. pic.twitter.com/MmGA1vr9mR
– George Russell (@ GeorgeRussell63) September 7, 2021
The former thirteen-time Grand Prix winner is hoping for Russell’s chances, even if the first few seasons will be a learning process.
“This is where George Russell witnesses a future world champion,” added Coulthard.
Mercedes boss Totto Wolff will meanwhile do his best not to create even more tension between his drivers.
“I think George will learn a lot from Lewis because he’s the best driver who has ever been there,” said Wolff. “So in my opinion we just have to give him time.”
“But it will take time. I want to keep the right momentum and momentum in the team and it will be just fine,” he added.
Formula 1 action continues this weekend as drivers bring their talent to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix.
See also: The adrenaline is still running through Daniel Ricciardo to Monza Win
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