Hamilton: “Russell is the future”
This is surely his future teammate in 2022, Hamilton is impressed by Russell's talent. He would be very happy to see him at Mercedes next year. During the press conference, he took the opportunity to say a few words about Bottas.
With Kimi Räikkönen’s departure to retirement and speculations about Valtteri Bottas heading towards Alfa Romeo, the future of George Russell in F1 seems to be turning towards Mercedes. In a press conference before the Dutch Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton answered journalists’ questions about the efficiency of his likely future teammate.
Just like the rest of the paddock, the seven-time world champion is watching the Williams driver’s progress. He said he would be happy to see Russell in the German team in 2022.
(e) I honestly think it will be good. George is clearly an incredibly talented driver. The highlight of last week (in Belgium, note editor) was probably his qualifying lap, it was amazing. He is humble and has a great approach. I imagine being British probably helps in terms of communication.
Like Max Verstappen, the Briton is clearly impressed by Russell’s talent. Seeing him at Mercedes is a very good idea according to him. He represents the future of this sport.
« He is the future. He is one of the members of the future of sport. I think he has already shown incredible behavior so far and I am sure he will continue to grow. So where is the best place to do this than in a great team like Mercedes? »
A mentor role for Hamilton?
Regarding his likely duo next year, the seven-time world champion suggests that he could play a mentoring role with Russell. Youth amazes him and he wants F1 to rely on it to progress in the coming years.
« I can’t wait to see the young people come through. It’s not that I want to lose to a young person, but I’m excited to see the progress of the sport. You’ve heard me talk about Lando Norris earlier in the year. It’s encouraging to see these young people doing well. They are fierce and I see a lot of myself in the younger generation. The future of the sport relies on them moving forward.
While the season is not yet over, Hamilton slipped in a few words about his current teammate, Bottas, during the press conference. He hasn’t forgotten the performances of the Finn helping him win championships with the team.
My current goal is for Valtteri and I to have some work to do. I am proud to work by his side. He is a decent human being and I think that’s at the heart of the reason why I have respect for him. In addition, he is a fierce competitor. He never gives up, keeps pushing and he helped me win these championships with the team. I could not have done it without him.
Currently, Mercedes has a seven-point advantage over Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. The German team’s pair will have to battle fiercely in Verstappen’s country to maintain their lead in the standings.
