When the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League made the decision to replace Valtteri Bottas with George Russell for the next Formula 1 season in 2022, it was clear that Russell would serve as an apprentice alongside Lewis Hamilton before eventually taking on the role of team leader. However, Hamilton’s early departure from Mercedes and his move to Ferrari in 2025 accelerated the timeline for Russell to be fully prepared for this responsibility.
After the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, where Russell secured pole position but made mistakes and failed to capitalize on the opportunity, familiar questions arose. Russell has already shown moments of brilliance, such as his overtaking of Hamilton in Canada, but has also made frequent errors. From colliding with Max Verstappen in Las Vegas to hitting the walls in Singapore and Canada, Russell’s races often lack the precision required to be considered a top-level F1 driver worthy of leading a team like Mercedes.
The incident in Singapore, where Russell had the chance to finish on the podium but crashed, raises the question of whether he still tends to overdo it. Despite his limited opportunities for success with a team like Mercedes, Russell has demonstrated his ability to perform well under pressure, as seen in his victory at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix and his strong performance as Hamilton’s substitute at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. His raw speed, especially in qualifying against Hamilton, is undeniable.
Perhaps Russell’s difficulties stem from his risky approach and his inability to calculate the balance between risk and reward. Some drivers, like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, excel in single-lap speed and controlling races from the front, while struggling to make progress through the field. It’s possible that Russell is driving too close to the limit, leaving little room for errors. This is reminiscent of Charles Leclerc, who often pushes himself to the limit and neglects broader strategic considerations.
Furthermore, Russell seems to lack Hamilton’s ability to effectively manage Pirelli tires over the course of a race. In the Singapore accident in 2023, Russell’s aggressive start left him vulnerable compared to Hamilton’s more calculated approach. A similar situation occurred in Canada in 2024, where Russell abused his intermediate tires early on, allowing Norris to take advantage of a more measured strategy.
Some of Russell’s difficulties may also stem from frustration with Mercedes’ performance. Just as Verstappen had to learn to control his aggressiveness and drive within his limits, Russell may need to adjust his approach as well. As Mercedes potentially improves under the new ground effect regulations, the focus will shift to whether the drivers can maximize the car’s potential. In Canada, Russell’s qualifying speed combined with Hamilton’s race management would have been necessary for Mercedes to achieve the best possible result.
The next 18 months will be crucial for Russell’s F1 career. With Hamilton’s departure and the arrival of young talents like Kimi Antonelli in 2025, Russell needs to be at the top of his game to avoid being overshadowed and potentially replaced. Additionally, if Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull and becomes available in 2026, Russell will need to prove his worth to secure his position.
© 2024
A new era is beginning in the world of sports. Fans are eager to see what the future holds for their favorite teams. And with the arrival of the 2024 season, expectations are higher than ever.
In football, major changes are taking place. Teams are strengthening with new players and renowned coaches. The competition will be fierce and fans can’t wait to see who will come out victorious.
In basketball, the stars are ready to shine. Talented players are standing out and promise to take their teams to the top. Fans are excited to see the incredible plays and spectacular shots that are to come.
In tennis, the rivalry between the world’s best players is more intense than ever. Every match is an epic battle and fans are expecting to witness historic moments on the courts.
In motorsport, speed is the name of the game. Drivers are ready to accelerate and show their skills on the tracks. Fans are eager to see who will conquer the checkered flag and become the champion.
In summary, the world of sports is full of excitement and adrenaline. Fans are ready to cheer and celebrate with their favorite teams and athletes. Get ready for an incredible season, full of surprises and unforgettable moments. Sports has never been so thrilling!
