Lewis Hamilton discusses George Russell's role in his complex relationship with Formula One

tháng 10 02, 2023

Lewis Hamilton discusses George Russell's role in his complex relationship with Formula One

Lewis Hamilton concedes that there are occasions when he lacks the desire to step into the driver's seat, but his internal competition with his Mercedes teammate George Russell injects the necessary motivation.

The partnership between Hamilton and Russell has entered its second season, with Russell joining at the beginning of the 2022 F1 season to replace Valtteri Bottas as Hamilton's teammate. Although their pairing hasn't resulted in significant conflicts so far, tensions between them are beginning to escalate.

Lewis Hamilton experiences days when he lacks the desire to participate in competition.

There has been ongoing speculation regarding Lewis Hamilton's Formula 1 career, marked by contract extensions over the years. However, his latest contract, which extends until the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season, has temporarily put these discussions to rest. At 38 years old, Hamilton acknowledges that he didn't always anticipate being an active Formula 1 driver as he approached his 40s. Nevertheless, he confessed that he "underestimated" his passion for the sport. Despite this love, there are moments when he still wrestles with a sense of reluctance to get into the car.

"I must confess that I underestimated my passion for the sport," Hamilton shared with Blick, reflecting on his previous statement that suggested he wouldn't be in an F1 car again at the age of 40. "However, it has evolved into a relationship of mixed emotions. There are days when I would rather not step into the cockpit."

This is where George Russell plays a significant role.

Hamilton and Russell engaged in multiple intense battles during the recent race in Japan, and at one point, their on-track clashes became quite intense as they approached the second Degner corner.

After one such duel, Russell questioned over team radio, "Who do we want to fight here? Each other or the others?"

However, Hamilton reveals that these battles with Russell serve as motivation, especially when he's feeling reluctant to get into the car and race.

"These duels with my teammate George also give me the motivation," Hamilton confirmed. "You always have to be wide awake."

In terms of their performance in F1 2023, Hamilton has regained control of the Mercedes battle, accumulating 190 points compared to Russell's 115. Russell has described his season as a "complete disaster."

As for Hamilton, he remains in contention for the runner-up position in the Drivers' Championship, reducing the points gap to Sergio Perez to 33.