Russell gets Hamilton into trouble: "He would do it for a million"

George Russell made a great impression with his debut for Mercedes, but that also immediately raises questions. Robert Doornbos discusses the difference between Russell and Lewis Hamilton and the future of Mercedes.

Russell shows his class

Russell was allowed to appear in the Mercedes garage before the second race in Bahrain to replace Hamilton, who was infected with COVID-19. That went so well, however, that people are now wondering how good Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas really are. According to Doornbos, it is a combination of factors that determine Russell's success.

''The car is 80% of the success. Russell has been driving in the back with Williams for two years now, and if you suddenly get a car like this that can brake much later, for example, that gives you more confidence. Add to that the fact that he wasn't sitting comfortably in that car, which he is far too long for and has too big feet,'' says Doornbos on the Peptalk programme.

Hamilton in trouble

''That doesn't alter the fact that he did it insanely. Mercedes really does have a new star. His return to Williams will really be a deception, but we do not yet know whether that will happen. The rules around coronavirus are very strict in Abu Dhabi, so it remains to be seen whether Lewis will make the first free practice session,'' said the former Formula 1 driver.

Doornbos, however, now sees a problem for Lewis. ''The other 20% is in the driver's hands and Russell has shown he can do it. Hamilton is negotiating his 50 million contract and Daimler's CEO is not a fan of F1. Russell would do it for a million. You don't know if he'll make it to seven world titles, Lewis is of course very special, especially in crucial moments,'' concludes the Ziggo Sport analyst.