Lewis Hamilton’s Renowned “Mental Approach” Under Scrutiny as George Russell Takes the Competition Up a Notch

The 2022 Formula 1 season was extremely challenging for all the teams, given the enforcement of the new set of regulations. But it was especially difficult for Mercedes as it progressed, as the mighty had fallen off the wave of winning eight consecutive constructors’ championships. It was left behind for the first time in years and had to modify its operation with Lewis Hamilton and the newly arrived George Russell.

And while George Russell had plenty of hopes after leaving Williams, Hamilton was in for a ride after losing out narrowly on his record eighth title. Due to this, the latter was under tremendous pressure and in a different mindset than he has usually been over the past season. 

The different mindset, which has usually been overkill for the rest of the drivers on the grid, has come under scrutiny when put alongside George, as Lewis was behind his teammate in the championship and even failed to bag a win. 

Johnny Herbert commented upon Lewis’s inability to perform and was quoted by Total Motorsport as saying, “I think Lewis started last year probably a little bit frustrated, knowing the car wasn’t great. I don’t think he had the right mental approach because he was probably frustrated, as a racing driver would be as a seven-time world champion, trying to get eighth, which was taken away from him.”

But given George’s performances and the shift of focus to him, Herbert said, “But now that opportunity has reset to get himself mentally and physically prepared [for this season]. It’s a good thing, maybe for Lewis, knowing that the pressure is going to be really hot from George.”

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Lewis Hamilton has always thrived under pressure, as most recently seen towards the final stages of the ever-so-tense 2021 season. But as the Briton continues to age, his determination has come under scrutiny and will be brought up every time he fails.

Lewis Hamilton dealing with his teammate’s pressure

Lewis has had Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas as his former teammates. But it was only Nico who pushed the Briton right to the brink with all the pressure. However, Lewis dealt well and only succumbed once to him.

Now with George coming in, there’s a young pressure. Herbert said, “It can be a very positive thing for a driver to know your teammate is going to be strong, to be pushed. You know you need to up your game straightaway. Will that be this year? I would be surprised. But I think it’s gonna be a mighty, tight tussle with George very hungry to try and take the reins away from Lewis, who won’t give up very easily as well. That’s what we want.”

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Mercedes didn’t give the car to the duo to compete well. But with a rivalry already said to be brewing between the two Brits, everything is on the table.