Russell Jumps To Hamilton's Defense After Criticism From Coulthard

Tuesday, 02 April 2024 at 12:15

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George Russell defended his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton after receiving criticism from former F1 driver David Coulthard.

The seven-time world champion's start to the 2024 season hasn't been the best. In fact, he said in an interview after the Australian Grand Prix that it has been his worst so far.

On the one hand, the Mercedes car isn't as fast as Red Bull, Ferrari, or McLaren, which already puts the Silver Arrows drivers on the back foot.

On the other hand, the 39-year-old has been lacking even on his teammate George Russell, whom he hasn't beaten once in qualifying and races during the first three Grand Prix weekends.

David Coulthard observed this and concluded that the seven-time World Champion looks like he is mentally already at Ferrari, with which he signed a contract ahead of this season (starting in 2025).

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However, Russell disagreed with the former F1 driver in a recent interview as he said that working with Hamilton feels like "nothing has changed." As quoted by motorsport.nextgen-auto.com, he said:

"Since Lewis' announcement, I think he has been incredibly professional with the team and the working relationship with everyone within Mercedes feels like nothing has changed."

"I read what David said, that his mind was elsewhere already, but that's not the case. And the team was great too. They gave us both equal opportunities. It's always been that way from the beginning."

The 25-year-old then highlighted that not only does his teammate's approach stay the same, but also that of the whole team regardless of whether he is leaving next year. He added:

"And every time improvements are made to the car, it affects both of us at the same time, whereas other teams often do one car before the other."

"So the development stays the same on our side and everyone is as involved as before. Lewis wants to have a successful last year with us."