Mercedes wants to repay Hamilton: 'Maybe they feel incredibly robbed'

Russell already had the chance to take a seat in Hamilton's Mercedes in 2020 when the seven-time world champion became infected with the coronavirus. The Briton almost managed to beat Valtteri Bottas, but had to make do with a ninth place because of a strategic blunder.

During the test days in Bahrain, Russell will be in action as an official Mercedes driver for the second time this year. "He almost beat Bottas here. He knows he's got it. He's going to want it immediately, and out qualify immediately and win the race. George has had a fantastic career, won F3, won F2 and done brilliantly in the Williams. He showed himself really well to the point Mercedes but him in the car. But he's up against Lewis Hamilton. maybe the greatest driver of all time," said former Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer.

'Huge love for Hamilton and Russell'

For Mercedes, last season ended dramatically in Abu Dhabi when Max Verstappen ran off with the world title on the last lap of the race. According to Will Buxton, it won't be an easy situation at Mercedes if Russell and Hamilton are matched.

"Maybe Mercedes and Lewis feel incredibly robbed by 2021. There's a lot of love for Lewis and they will want retribution, they will want to repay Lewis for last year and allow him the chance to run for the 8th World Championship. And then there is the huge love for George who has been in the junior set-up for so long, it's like choosing between your children," Buxton said.