Mercedes, after a very long time, had a season they could not pose a threat to either of the championships. Also, Lewis Hamilton, for the very first time, had a season he didn’t win a single race. The only win that came for Mercedes too came at the hands of his teammate George Russell. The rare competition from his partner has now prompted the 7-time world champion to be more involved in next year’s car’s development.

The Silver Arrows, right from the start of the 2022 season, encountered multiple problems. The porpoising issue and lack of pace, in general, rendered them struggling throughout the season. Things only got better towards the latter part of the season when they did not just challenge Red Bull for the win but also managed a 1-2 in Brazil.

Lewis Hamilton to take part in testing after the George Russell threat

His teammate beat Lewis Hamilton not just for the win, but also in the points tally. George Russell finished 4th in the drivers’ standings with 275 points. Lewis, however, was nowhere close to him, finishing 6th with 240 points. Could falling down the pecking order in his own team be the reason for him to take part in testing for a change?

In a recent interview with Channel 4, Hamilton said, “We have progressed with the car, we’ve got to a better place. I’m much happier in the car this latter part of the season. And I know next year hopefully we’ll be in an even better position. I’m even doing the test on Tuesday, which I never do.”

Lewis revealed the team always asked him to be part of car testing, but he always skipped it. However, the reduced testing time next year has prompted him to be more involved with the car’s development. “I want to be a part of the team’s development this year more than ever has been something that I’ve really cherished and have been really grateful to have been a part of. You know, helping be part of the rudder that’s steering the ship in some sense. But yeah, next year’s going to be tougher than ever,” he continued.

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Winning against the 7-time world champion was never a walk in the park for George Russell. He revealed how he held his nerves towards the latter part of the Brazilian GP.

George Russell tells how nerve-wracking it was racing against Hamilton

After a tough season, Mercedes finally tasted success in Brazil. George Russell, talking post-race with Sky Sports, revealed how he shook off the nervousness to beat Lewis to the checkered flag at Interlagos.

“You know, when you look into the mirrors and you see Lewis Hamilton there, I just knew how fast he was and I was driving the race of my life. But I knew this was a victory to be taken and so happy to watch that line and so proud of the whole team and the work we’ve done this season,” George told.

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Do you think Mercedes will bounce back next year? Will Lewis, being part of development, help the team deliver a faster and more reliable car?