'Russell has all it takes to beat Hamilton at Mercedes'

George Russell is capable of beating Lewis Hamilton, according to Ralf Schumacher. This is what the former Formula 1 driver says in conversation with the German branch of Sky Sports.

Opportunity for Russell

In 2022, we will see a new duo appear on the starting grid at Mercedes. After five seasons of Valtteri Bottas and Hamilton, the Finn has been replaced by Russell for the 2021 Formula One season. The Briton is a pupil of the Mercedes program and has been knocking on the door for some time. Schumacher therefore believes that Mercedes actually waited too long to replace Bottas, because there was always something to say about him.

That Russell also sees the difference between Bottas and Hamilton, according to Schumacher, became immediately clear during the launch of the new car. Where Russell at his debut for Mercedes alongside Bottas immediately let it be known that he wanted to compete at the front, he was now cautious in setting his goals for 2022. Still, Ralf thinks the young Briton knows inside that he is capable of beating Hamilton.

Advantage and disadvantage for Mercedes

For Mercedes, of course, the partnership could work out well. With Hamilton they have a proven champion in house who has proven capable of leading the team. Russell is also a young talent who has proven that he is fast. Especially his qualification in Belgium where he even qualified ahead of Hamilton in the rain was admirable. So the team has a fast duo in house.

Yet there is also a downside to this fast duo for Mercedes. Russell, as a young talent, will not go as easily to the side as Bottas and will therefore sometimes get in Hamilton's way. This could lead to a situation like the one between Nico Rosberg and Hamilton, which is exactly what the team does not want.