Russell does not want to battle with Hamilton: "He’s proven everything"

George Russell has finished in the top five in the first nine Grands Prix and is doing better than team-mate Lewis Hamilton. However, it does not make him lose respect for the qualities of the seven-time world champion, he tells The Sun.

The Briton came over from Williams at the start of the season. Whereas Mercedes has been among the top teams since 2014, the German team is experiencing a tough season in Formula 1 in 2022. For the time being, Russell managed to get more out of his car and is even in fourth place in the world championship.

The difference with Hamilton was 34 points, which earned him respect in his team. However, it does not mean Russell is going to step out of line, as the driver believes Hamilton's past performance is still not to be underestimated.

"I don’t really care if he’s ahead and I don’t think he really cares if I’m ahead because there’s a bigger picture and we’re just trying to turn things around," Russell said. "He’s been absolutely spot on, every single race. He’s always congratulated me if I’ve had a good result. There’s never been any hard feelings, whatever the results or the outcome. He has nothing more to prove. He’s proven everything."