Theorem | Russell hides Mercedes problems with impressive performance

Anyone who takes a quick look at the world championship would think that Mercedes is a serious rival to Ferrari. Indeed, in both the world championship and constructors' championship, the difference is still bridgeable. However, George Russell is the one who is actually keeping the German racing stable alive.

Since the Briton's arrival at Mercedes, Russell has been performing above expectations. Where most young drivers need time to get comfortable in their cars, it is a different story with Russell. During the first eight races he never finished outside the top five, which is a great achievement.

It is especially clever to see how Russell gets the most out of his material. Mercedes does not have a very good car on the track this season. In Azerbaijan, problems with porpoising, which returned to the Germans worse than ever, even caused physical discomfort for Lewis Hamilton and Russell.

Taking advantage of the dropouts of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, however, Russell managed to finish on the podium for the third time this season. As in Australia and Spain, he secured fifteen points for his team and keeps hopes alive for Mercedes.

His gap to Leclerc is now seventeen points, but on the track the difference is visibly much greater than that. It is impressive to see how Russell continues to put pressure on the top three and in doing so does Mercedes a good service. Whatever it will be this season: the race team has a golden boy in the house for the coming years.