Can Russell take over from Hamilton? He is in the right place now'

This season, Lewis Hamilton has his hands full with a teammate at Mercedes for the first time since 2016. Back then he was competing with Nico Rosberg for the world title, this year he is fighting alongside George Russell to solve Mercedes' problems and get the team back in the lead.

After half a season with the young Briton as a teammate, Hamilton is very happy with Russell's way of working, he explained at Formula1.com. "It's been pleasant, we've worked together incredibly well. George has been super positive and he has a positive impact on the work environment."

Russell as future team leader?

According to Hamilton it is nice to work with Russell and it is also good to see how Russell is developing and the successes he is having. This season Russell has finished in the top five in every race except his DNF at Silverstone. He has also scored three podiums in Australia, Spain and Azerbaijan.

“I definitely see that he's got so much potential in him [to be a world champion] and he's in the right place for it as well. I really think that. Whether or not I'm here, he has all the qualities to help take this team forward in the future and lead them to success, so I think it's been the right choice for the team." Hamilton believes he can leave the team in Russell's hands as team principal in a few years' time and hopes to support Russell in his progression until then.