Alex Albon Believes George Russell Can ‘Really Challenge’ Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes

There has been a lot of talk about who will be the two Mercedes drivers for next season. And these talks will only grow as the days pass by and the races come and go. As things stand, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are only contracted until the end of the year. Irrespective of what Hamilton decides regarding his future, the general belief is that the Silver Arrows will get George Russell in for the 2022 season. And his close friend Alex Albon reckons George will be up for it.

The Red Bull test and reserve driver believes that Russell can take the fight to Hamilton. He claims that the Williams man will give Lewis a lot more headaches than Bottas has during his time with the Brackley-based outfit.

Albon said, “It’s my view that if my friend George Russell was to partner Lewis at Mercedes next year he could really challenge him.”

F1 fans already got a glimpse of just how good Russell can be in a Mercedes. Filling in for the COVID-afflicted Hamilton in Sakhir last year, Russell swept the plaudits all through the weekend. In fact, he was looking good for the win were it not for a botched pit-stop and a subsequent puncture.

Nevertheless, it only seems like a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ Russell races for Mercedes.

Alex Albon clueless about the future of Lewis Hamilton

Just like nearly everyone else, Albon doesn’t know what Hamilton’s next move will be either.

Will he choose to race on under the new regulations? Will he call it a day if he wins an unprecedented eighth title?

All the Anglo-Thai driver knows is that the challenge will be tougher for Lewis this year, just as the race in Bahrain was a testament to that.

Albon said, “Only he knows if this will be his last season in F1.

“People are surprised he’s only signed a one-year deal at Mercedes, but I don’t read too much into contract talk and speculation. He will be highly motivated and Red Bull plan to bring the fight this year, which is going to make it harder, for sure.”

While the F1 action continues, Albon will be chancing his hand at the DTM series. Russell has warned him to be wary of the competition he faces. Alex will hope that the German touring car series can provide him with a path back onto the F1 grid.

Also Read: Mercedes’ Wolff Hits Back at McLaren Boss Brown Over Verstappen/Russell Prediction