Is Bahrain GP Proof That George Russell is Just Another Bottas for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?

Mercedes anointed George Russell as the next Lewis Hamilton, by installing the young Briton alongside seven-time world champion in its F1 line-up for the 2022 season. Russell himself has made it clear that he will not settle for second place and will fight for the World Championship. However, will Mercedes share Russell’s interest is a question that looms large over everyone’s mind.

The FIA introduced new regulations with the hope of shuffling up the grid and they would have been pleased with the start. Lewis Hamilton won an unlikely podium with George Russell finishing behind him in P4. But, the qualifying session raised questions on whether Russell is just another wingman for Lewis Hamilton.

Is Russell just another Valtteri Bottas in Mercedes?

Mercedes endured a difficult qualifying as they suffered from porpoising issues. The Silver Arrows ordered George Russell to start ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the second run in during Q2. The intention behind this was to give a slipstream to Lewis Hamilton, who took advantage and improved his time. However, Mercedes were relatively comfortable as both the cars qualified for Q3.

Coming into Q3, many believed that Hamilton will return the favor to Russell and provide him with a tow. However, that was not the case in both the run-ins during Q3. The result? Russell struggled for grip and ended in P9 while Hamilton with the slipstream finished P5. This storyline seems all too similar to Mercedes. To add fuel to the fire, Valtteri Bottas split the Mercedes as he finished P6.

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George Russell was announced as a Mercedes driver ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in 2021. The expectations of his potential were high, but Toto Wolff gave a word of caution. He conveyed that Russell’s expectations must be ‘calibrated’ to get the best out of the team.

For George Russell, who was coming to Mercedes with an ambition to win World Championships and to challenge Lewis Hamilton, the qualifying session was certainly a harsh reality check for the 24-year-old.

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The question remains whether Mercedes will use George Russell like Valtteri Bottas for Lewis Hamilton’s unprecedented eighth World Championship? Or will Russell push Hamilton to the limit? We will have to wait and watch.