Coulthard: "He's a modern version of a top professional racing driver"

The big switch to Mercedes has so far not worked out the way George Russell envisaged. After two races he has not yet managed to score a podium, which according to David Coulthard is causing some people to write him off already. However, he believes that Russell has done a great job so far.

According to the Scot, Russell is an "all-round package" and the driver did everything he could to keep up the pace. Whereas he finished behind Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain, he left his teammate far behind in Saudi Arabia. He is also ahead of his teammate in the championship.

His fourth and fifth place finishes drew criticism from people who feel that Mercedes' newest acquisition is not living up to expectations. According to Coulthard, this is unjustified. "Ferrari and Red Bull have come flying out of the blocks," the former Formula One driver said in conversation with The Sunday Mirror.

He continued: "There are some who might judge that George’s first couple of races have not been up to standard, but I wouldn’t agree with that. I think he’s handled the car and the situation well."

Coulthard therefore believes that Russell did meet expectations, especially given the difficult situation Mercedes is currently in. He praises both the speed and communication skills of the young Brit, calling him "a modern version of a top professional racing driver".