“Russell Will Have to Raise His Level”: Lewis Hamilton Shifts Balance of Power at Mercedes With “New Version” as George Comes Under Immense Pressure

Lewis Hamilton signed with McLaren as a rookie in 2007 and blew the then 2X Champion teammate, Fernando Alonso’s socks away. Nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton was given a taste of his own medicine when George Russell joined the team last year. However, a lot of time has passed and the power balance between teammates seems to be shifting in Lewis Hamilton’s favor, putting George Russell under pressure. But what caused this shift in power?

George Russell had the upper hand when it came to the Mercedes teammate battle in 2022. Russell finished 30 points ahead of the veteran, Lewis Hamilton, who struggled to find confidence in the W13 all season. Porpoising plagued the car and the team for the whole season and 2023 was expected to be a better year for the team. While the team did get rid of the porpoising, the pace was nowhere near the front. Thankfully, the new upgrades brought by the Silver Arrows seem to be working well as both Mercedes finished on the podium at the Spanish GP.

However, during the Spanish GP weekend, it could very well be noticed that George Russell struggled more with the newly upgraded car compared to Lewis Hamilton, who was flying. Ralf Schumacher suggests that the new upgrades have come in time for Lewis Hamilton to reignite the hopes for his 8th championship. Russell must raise the level at which he is performing as a charged-up Hamilton at 38 will not be easy to beat. 

According to F1i.Autojournal.fr, Ralf Schumacher said, “Hamilton seems to adapt better to the new version of the W14 than Russell. He seemed relieved to feel again the pleasure of flying and the prospects for a more competitive horizon. He is optimistic and has never been so motivated to go for this eighth title. Russell will have to raise his level of play because Lewis is probably better than ever at 38. George will face an interesting challenge, but this emulation can also pull the whole team up.”

Read More: Dismissing Ferrari’s Lucrative $48,000,000 Offer, Toto Wolff Weighs in on Lewis Hamilton’s Uncertain Future at Mercedes

Ralf Schumacher is right in saying so as we’ve seen in the past how Lewis Hamilton steps up his game whenever a championship is in play. Give Hamilton the right tools and he will win everything there is to win out there. This puts George Russell under immense pressure. Hamilton seems happy with the team as he enjoys the podium in Spain and appreciates the work that the team has done with the upgrades. 

Lewis Hamilton on the team focusing on winning the next race 

The podium in Barcelona was definitely the result of the hard work that the Silver Arrows have put in ever since they decided to change the concept around after the Bahrain GP. Hamilton appreciates what the team has done as he enjoys the success in Spain along with the team. However, Briton explains how this is not the ultimate goal as the team will be right back to focus on figuring a way out to win the upcoming race. 

According to Skysports.com, Lewis Hamilton said, “The podium today was really, really special. To be able to see the excitement in all the people that have worked for such a long time. When we go back right now, there will be great energy in the office. These guys take two seconds to enjoy themselves and be happy and then they’ll be back down into the books and trying to figure out how we can win the next race.”

Watch this Story: Nico Rosberg’s Embarrassing Moment Facing Off Lewis Hamilton at the 2023 Spanish GP

What did you make of Ralf Schumacher’s comments? Do you think George Russell will struggle with the new concept that Mercedes has introduced?