Mansell: 'Hamilton hasn't decided to dust off his right foot yet'

Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell is impressed by George Russell after his first half of the season with Mercedes. The Brit managed to set some better performances than Lewis Hamilton at the beginning of the season, but according to Mansell the seven-time World Champion has not yet fully pressed the accelerator.

After the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton lost the world title on the very last lap, the Brit was extra motivated to secure his eighth world title in the new season. However, it looks as though Hamilton will not get that chance as Mercedes started the new season trailing behind.

Hamilton also had to take into account his new teammate George Russell. The young driver is currently fourth in the drivers' championship, while Hamilton is at P5 with 146 points. The seven-time World Champion's form has improved over the last few races with five consecutive podiums. Mansell does not think Hamilton has given everything this season.

Hamilton takes it easy

"I like both George Russell and Lando Norris," the former F1 driver told Adrian Flux. "I think the opportunity that George has cast on the fact that Lewis hasn’t decided to dust off his right foot yet. I think he’s taking it easy," he added laughing.

Nevertheless, Mansell praises Russell's performance in the first half of the season. He is also impressed with Norris. "He [Russell] is doing a great job and I think Lando when the car is performing, he’s put some great results in."