No one faced as much criticism as Lewis Hamilton in the past two years, especially after the 2022 season. The Brit, on the back of almost winning the record-breaking title, fell down the cracks thanks to the troubled 2022 Mercedes challenger. George Russell piled on this pressure with his incredible first season at the Brackley outfit. However, after the team accepted their mistakes and took a new developmental direction, we saw a resurgent Hamilton and even two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen seconded it.

Russell was a revelation for Mercedes in 2022. The young Brit surprised everyone on the grid with his performances with the troubled W13, which were head and shoulders above Hamilton. However, the Brackley outfit was still nowhere near the front. However, the changes to the side pod design stemming from Hamilton’s incessant complaints put the team on the right track. The performances that followed spoke for themselves and this is exactly why the Finnish champion, as quoted by Formula Passion, stated Hamilton is still the boss.

“It’s clear that this is still Lewis’ team, even though George is in his third season with Mercedes. Last season Hamilton finished third and Russell only eighth. This didn’t surprise me. On the one hand, Lewis wanted to prove to everyone that he was still up to it, while on the other, George was and continues to be under immense pressure. When you are the teammate of a seven-time world champion, all eyes are automatically on you. It doesn’t matter if you finished on the podium if your teammate won. It’s like that for all teams, but for George, it’s different, because he’s competing against a record champion,” said Hakkinen.

Lewis Hamilton & George Russell Issue Contrasting Statement as Toto Wolff & Co. Finally Takes a Step Forward

The two Mercedes men often clashed in the previous season, and there was friction between them. However, the two kept their head and focused on the collective goal for 2023. However, heading into 2024, Hamilton is touted to be the team leader and Russell will have to raise his level, an opinion even Ralf Schumacher shares.

Ralf Schumacher believes the new upgrades favor Lewis Hamilton over George Russell

The 2023 season shifted the tide in Hamilton’s favor, especially after the upgrade Mercedes introduced during the Spanish GP. The upgrades showcased the disparity between Hamilton and Russell, as the world champion pulled away with Russell losing crucial points in multiple races. This is exactly why Ralf Schumacher was critical of the young Brit and has suggested he raise the bar if he wants to keep his seat far into the future.

Ralf Schumacher said, “Hamilton seems to adapt better to the new version of the W14 than Russell. He seemed relieved to feel again the pleasure of flying and the prospects for a more competitive horizon. He is optimistic and has never been so motivated to go for this eighth title. Russell will have to raise his level of play because Lewis is probably better than ever at 38. George will face an interesting challenge, but this emulation can also pull the whole team up.”

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The scales are tipped toward Hamilton as the Brit is the clear leader and favorite for most F1 entities. However, the upcoming season should reveal the truth soon enough.