Russell and Hamilton clashed several times on track at the Japanese Grand Prix.
There were a number of flashpoints, with Mercedes eventually intervening and ordering Russell to let his more experienced team-mate pass as they were under threat from Carlos Sainz behind.
Speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, Davidson explained why the team’s ‘hierarchy’ impacts how Russell handles certain situations.
“There’s definitely a hierarchy on this team,” Davidson said. “And it is. You know, Lewis has won this title on this team as a seven-time world champion and George can’t argue with that.
“George is always a back-up, and he does very well in situations where the pace is there for Lewis to really fight against him. But he did it in a very polite George Russell way, which was quite funny to watch, because I knew in the car he would be angry and mad.
“And that’s why we see near misses, drivers coming in, almost coming in, almost making contact, but then he’s a good lad on the radio, he’s very British about it there. And I think there are many layers to what bothers him. It always comes back like, “I’m okay with that, but if you could please, very kindly, give me a pass at the next opportunity, that would be greatly appreciated.”
“And maybe we would have heard a few more voices if things were different.” But I think right now, I think he knows where he stands in the team.
Since joining Mercedes in 2022, Russell has performed well against Hamilton, earning him a place in the championship standings last year.
Davidson is “curious” to see how the battle will play out in the coming years.
“He (Russell) knows he has speed. We all see it from the outside,” Davidson added.
“Lewis sticks out his elbow when necessary. I was really intrigued by this battle and seeing George develop as a driver and seeing Lewis again in his later years.
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