Ecclestone points out key weakness in Russell: 'Hamilton does do that'

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Ecclestone points out weakness with Russell
1 October 2023 at 09:57
Last update 1 October 2023 at 10:15
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  • Sam Godber

Former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has identified a weakness in George Russell. According to Ecclestone, Russell is less willing to go all out for a win than his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Russell earned praise in his first year with Mercedes by surpassing Hamilton in the championship in the 2022 F1 season and also capturing his first Grand Prix win - and Mercedes' only one that year. In 2023, however, he has to beat Hamilton in the championship for now.

Ecclestone on Russell, Piastri and Verstappen

"I can’t make up my mind about him," Ecclestone began in conversation with Daily Mail. "I like him. He is super-talented. It is a matter of what he is prepared to do to win. He was hoping Carlos (Sainz) would run out of road at the last race. He was pushing very, very hard. I don’t think he thinks his race through, something Lewis does do."

That Ecclestone has a high opinion of Max Verstappen, he made clear earlier. However, there is another driver bursting with talent according to the 92-year-old Briton: "If I were a team owner, I think I’d get hold of the Australian kid (Oscar Piastri). He’s very good. But Max is the best I have ever seen," he adds for completeness.