The British generation duel at Mercedes: how does George Russell shine against Lewis Hamilton?

For Mercedes, British Grand Prix (Sunday, 4pm, RTL And sky) A real home game – Plant in Brackley just 20 kilometers from the track silverstone far. And then there are also two British drivers on the racing team this year, in a constellation that is getting a lot of attention. Because the internal duel between Mercedes newcomer George Russell and seven-time world champion, absolute world star Lewis Hamilton is also an intra-British duel of generations, a battle between the present and the future.

From Hamilton’s point of view, the duel has so far been unsatisfactory. In the first nine races of the season, the 37-year-old lost to his youth teammate Russell as many times as he wanted. Thereby certainly was a great deal of misfortune from time to time: Hamilton’s strategies, unfortunate safety car moments and with outside contacts in the early stages that weren’t really his own fault. The desire to help the Mercedes team, which was struggling to rise to the top by opting for sometimes very experimental set-up solutions, was also not helpful. This caused even bigger problems with the infamous “bounce” of silver arrowheads. Things got better for Russell, who was driving more traditionally.

Some Formula 1 experts asked themselves, especially at the start of the season, whether the seven-time world champion, who had only been used to victories over the years, still took the highest risks and loads to fight for just one. That was the inspiration. some points. The counterargument is Russell, who is 24, uses every little opportunity to make a name for himself – ideally against the superstars on his team.

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At the Canadian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton once again finished third behind Russell. At Silverstone, where thanks to track features and a few updates, the Mercedes team will be given the opportunity to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari for the first time this year, the question of motivation should no longer be an issue. The domestic Grand Prix has always been something special for Hamilton – and that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff believes Nelson Piquet’s anger about racist statements in his direction “guarantees that they inspired him again”.

Wolff is sure Hamilton can score his ninth win in front of his home crowd – even without the fastest car: “I think if we give him a car that is only a few from the leaders 10th behind, he’ll win the race. He’s the most skilled driver ever and everyone has their favorite circuit. For Lewis it’s always been Silverstone – along with Montreal and Hungary. I think when you have 150,000 People stand out who make you happy, so you have a domestic advantage.” However, the Mercedes team boss also made it clear that he would not refuse Russell even for a home win.

Meanwhile, the young star is optimistic that he can further improve his impressive record in 2022. So far he has not only kept Hamilton in control for most of the time – he is also the only driver in the entire field to finish no worse than fifth in all races of the season so far. And it gives courage for the future.