F1 News
Russell reflects: 'I finished ahead of greatest ever Hamilton more times'
George Russell is certain that he can fight for a world championship in the near future. The Mercedes driver oozed self-confidence in an interview with BBC Sport before the start of the season, also stating that he is proud of his efforts against the 'greatest of all time' Lewis Hamilton, where he 'finished ahead two out the of three years.'
George Russell will be alongside Italian youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025. The 18-year-old is a stark contrast to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, as Russell will lead the Mercedes team for the first time.
"I am proud of the results I've achieved going up against somebody like Lewis," Russell stated in reflection of his tenure with Hamilton. "At the end of 2021, statistically and in terms of perception, Lewis was the greatest of all time. And I've had three years against the greatest of all time, and I finished ahead of him two out of the three years I had as team-mates. And finished ahead more times in 'quali' and more times in the race."
Russell scored more points than Hamilton in both 2022 and 2024. Notably, Russell's qualifying head-to-head with Hamilton in 2024 was 19-5. A thumping result for Russell, who has taken confidence that he has what it takes to be a world champion after beating such an established one comfortably over the course of a season.
'In a different era, you're a world champion if you finish ahead of Hamilton'
"If this was a different time or a different era, if you finish ahead of Lewis Hamilton, you're a world champion.
"And if I keep delivering those results, as I did over these last three years against the best driver of all time, I believe I will get myself in the fight and hopefully a world championship to my name." The Brit concluded.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels too!