After George Russell Broke Coveted 5 Year Record, Lewis Hamilton Slammed for Becoming “Soft” Amid Growing Pressure

Ever since his devastating defeat in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Lewis Hamilton has been under immense pressure to prove his worth. The age factor isn’t doing him any favors as he is currently in the twilight of his decorated F1 career. Amidst all this, the 8th world championship title remains elusive for the Briton. As he continues on his quest for the never done before feat, George Russell is being hailed for already taking over the reins of Mercedes.

Valtteri Bottas joined Mercedes in 2017 right after Nico Rosberg called it quits in 2016 after winning the championship. The Fin stayed with the team for 5 years and shared a cordial relationship with Hamilton. However, in each of those 5 years, Hamilton beat him on points following which Russell replaced him in 2022. In his very first year with the Silver Arrows, the former Williams driver beat Hamilton in the standings.

Lewis Hamilton called out for going “softer” while George Russell steals the show

Since Hamilton openly criticized Mercedes following the disappointing result in Bahrain, rumors over his possible move to Ferrari are doing the rounds. Amidst all this, speculations over Charles Leclerc possibly looking for a move to Mercedes are running around as well. However, former F1 team manager and veteran F1 journalist, Peter Windsor, believes things won’t be too easy for the Monegasque in Brackley either.

In one of his recent YouTube streams, Windsor said, “I think George – as he does with Lewis – has slightly more edge to his driving, just a little bit more. Lewis has got softer, rounder transitions compared with George and therefore everything has to be pretty right for George to be as brilliantly quick as he is.”

“But I think if there’s some sort of issue with the tires – whether it be graining or going off, whatever it is – then you’re going to see Lewis or a Charles, with their softer touch, being able to have a wider sweet spot of driving,” he added. “But it’d be very close. George is super, super quick and it’s a big thing for Charles Leclerc to go to Mercedes – if he goes – to put himself against George Russell.”

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Signs of a brewing rivalry are beginning to show at Mercedes. Last year, both drivers ruled out any such possibilities for the future, citing their great chemistry. Russell’s recent comments, however, do not reflect the same.

Russell does not care if Hamilton decides to leave Mercedes

The week preceding the Monaco GP saw the F1 world go into a frenzy. That was after reports of Ferrari offering Hamilton $49 million came to the fore. While team boss Frederic Vasseur denied any such offer being in place, Russell had a different take on the situation altogether.

“I don’t care at all whether Lewis stays or Lewis goes because I believe I can beat anyone on the grid,” The Mail quoted this junior Mercedes driver as saying.

He also revealed how beating Hamilton in the same machinery did wonders for his confidence. “You couldn’t choose to be in a better position than to go up against Lewis. What a way to test myself. While we’re in this position, he is invaluable to me. There can be no excuses on either side. He’s pushing me. I’m pushing him. I am here to beat everybody.”

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Do you think Hamilton can beat his teammate on points this year? Currently, he is 19 points clear of Russell. However, neither of them is in the top 3 positions.