Reason Why Hamilton Got Beaten By Russell in 2022 Identified By Villeneuve
F1
Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve explained his opinion on why George Russell beat Lewis Hamilton in 2022.
George Russell came to Mercedes from Williams for his first season with the Silver Arrows in 2022. Everybody knew the British driver had great potential, but it wasn't expected from him to challenge the seven-time World Champion.
However, Russell managed to finish the 2022 season in fourth place in the Drivers' Championship, 35 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton in sixth place. Villeneuve told PlanetF1:
"It’s surprising. Last year, he just came in as a rookie in the team. The new boy coming from Williams. All he had to do was beat Lewis, he didn’t have to focus too much on going for the wins. So it was a lot easier for him."
Moreover, Russell won the only Mercedes in 2022 during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Villeneuve explained it was the different mindset that the two drivers had that caused the season to evolve the way it did.
"Lewis had to react to having lost a championship the year before and, suddenly, not being in the car that can win easily. I think that got to him, it took him time to react. And that made life easy for George."
On the other hand, things turned around in 2023 when Hamilton finished third in the Drivers' Championship, 59 points ahead of his British teammate in eighth place.
"This year, it’s been a little bit the opposite because Lewis came back realizing that he has to work like he used to work at the beginning of his career. And that’s changed the balance a bit."
From what the Formula One World Champion described, the mindset significantly influences drivers' performances and results, more than one might think. He added:
"George came into the scene thinking, ‘OK, now I’m ahead of Lewis, I can fight, I’m one of the winners. That’s changed his mindset as well."
George Russell admitted he didn't have the cleanest of seasons in 2023, but he told the media his confidence hasn't been dented at all going into 2024.
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