Ex-champion Lewis Hamilton finished five spots ahead of George Russell in the championship this year – casting doubt over the latter’s long-term future at Mercedes
Eddie Jordan has questioned whether George Russell is good enough to rival Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Russell had a difficult 2023. Despite only two podiums, he placed eighth overall in the championship. Hamilton, on the other hand, finished third overall with six podiums. This year, the only Red Bull drivers with greater success were Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Russell was expected to aim for victories when he switched from Williams to Mercedes two years ago. However, the 25-year-old has only achieved one victory, leading some critics—like Jordan—to wonder if he can match Hamilton’s accomplishments.
On the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan discussed Russell’s future with former Formula 1 drivers Martin Donnelly and David Coulthard. Russell’s contract with Mercedes is set to expire in two years, and if his performance doesn’t improve, he may lose it.
“Lewis, to be doing this since 2007, to go and pack a bag, unpack a bag, go to an airport, jump on a plane, even if it’s a Learjet,” Donnelly remarked in reference to Hamilton’s longevity. to maintain the motivation to carry out that action year after year.”
Jordan retorted, “To do what he’s now doing and honestly, he’s making George look a bit second-rate now at the moment,” at that point. Additionally, at the start of the year, we believed that George was exceptional and mustard.”
Russell’s stock was much higher at this time last year, as Jordan claims. He won in Sao Paulo and placed fourth overall in the championship, two places ahead of Hamilton. However, Russell was unable to surpass the seven-time world champion in 2023.
Donnelly went on, “Even Max is still peering over Hamilton’s shoulder as he performs against Lando (Norris) and Charles Leclerc.”
Despite going winless for the second time in a row in 2023, Hamilton’s ability to beat Russell and a number of other up-and-coming Formula One drivers was noteworthy. If Mercedes can give him a competitive car, his form should be positive for the upcoming season.
Toto Wolff, the CEO of Mercedes, is optimistic that they can succeed. “Each challenging year contributes to a growth curve that ultimately improves you,” Wolff said to Planet F1 this month following the team’s underwhelming 2023 season. “We weren’t able to compete for the World Championship, which is something I would have preferred. We are eager for next year as a result.
“Everything is geared toward 2024. We apply the lessons learned and continue our analysis, but this time it’s focused on the organization rather than the new car.”
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