So this year saw the long-standing Mercedes hegemony finally come to an end. The team that once occupied the top spot on the podium has dropped to P3 this year. The entire Brackley-based side has had a really challenging year but Lewis Hamilton who serves as an example to millions has once again demonstrated that he will continue to glow for the people no matter how dark things get around him.
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Lewis Hamilton finished this year without taking home even a single Grand Prix victory, making it the worst year yet for the seven-time champion, who was placed sixth. Mercedes’ failure to provide the Englishman with a quick car was the reason the team wasn’t effective this year, as the team battled bouncing issues all year. However, rather than moan and groan about it, Hamilton chose to try out different setups on his side of the garage, which in part helped the team progress.
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In a conversation with Beyond the grid podcast, Wolff lauded Hamilton for his efforts to energize the surrounding team, despite the fact that his car was typically slow. Mercedes supremo said, “It was extremely hard for him because we didn’t give him a car that he could win with. In fact, the car was very unpredictable, unstable, and sometimes good and sometimes not.”
Praising the leadership qualities, Toto Wolff said, “It is very admirable how he (Hamilton, ed.) has managed to get through this difficult season. There were times when we really went through it as a team, but he pepped us up again and he motivated us to keep going. I’ve never seen that in a professional sportsman before.”
The Brackley-based team’s star driver, who was expected to win the championship this year, was unable to perform well, thus the year was heartbreaking for everyone on the team. However, one thing that would have made everyone pleased is how George Russell performed. The young Mercedes driver has drawn praise for his incredible performance from people all over the world, including his legendary teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton praises George Russell for blending seamlessly with the team
George Russell achieved his first race victory in his debut season as a regular Mercedes driver. He even outperformed Lewis Hamilton in terms of points. However, the Silver Arrows had a challenging season, but the young British driver was impressive. Russell was outstanding this year as he was responsible for Mercedes’ lone victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Hamilton praised how well the young British driver had assimilated into the team.
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Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 21, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell ahead of qualifying REUTERS/Nacho Doce
“I’ve seen what he did at Williams. I naturally think you have to say it’s impressive what he’s done this year, the consistency he’s had, how he’s arrived and just hit the ground running. It’s been super easy to blend in. He uses my steering wheel, and he’s obviously got to do the test days prior to the year, so I think he’s just blended in perfectly and he’s been a positive force on the team.”
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Given that George Russell has blended with the squad and that both the driver and the team seem to have come together pretty well, are the competitors’ positions in jeopardy now?
