Former World Champion Considers George Russell’s Mercedes F1 Arrival a Blessing for Lewis Hamilton

The 2022 season kicks off a new era of F1. Along with new regulations, there are also new driver pairings on the grid. One of the most awaited moves is that of Mercedes junior, George Russell. The Britton finally made the step up to the Silver Arrows to partner Lewis Hamilton, after a 3-year sting with Williams. Since this is one of the most anticipated moves for the upcoming season, a lot of people have expressed their opinions on the same, including the 1996 world champion Damon Hill.

Damon Hill on the Hamilton-Russell pairing

There is no denying George Russell’s talent, with the youngster being touted as a future world champion. With Hamilton as his teammate, the Mercedes lineup looks extremely strong on paper. Moreover, former world champion, Damon Hill, also shares the same opinion.

Hill believes that having Russell as his teammate would be better for Hamilton. He said, “Lewis seems so comfortable now, I think he won’t feel pressure… he’d be able to cope with that.”

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According to Hill, Russel could perhaps help Hamilton secure the elusive 8th world title as well. He went on to add, “he’s probably feeling better if he’s got a fast-charging number two because anything that comes between him and Red Bull or Ferrari – whoever else it is – the better.”

Russel in 2022

The move that everyone was waiting for is finally complete and George Russell will drive for Mercedes this season. The 2018 F2 champion has shown his flashes of brilliance in the machinery he had at Williams.

But fans have been waiting to see how he will fare in the title-winning car alongside a 7-time world champion as his teammate. With the Bahrain GP set to take place this weekend, all the anticipation is finally going to end.

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Can Russell pull a Rosberg and get the better of Hamilton? Would the Briton be able to lead the race after the run-up to Turn 1 at Bahrain, as he did in 2020? Share your thoughts in the comments below.