“I’m sure that internally he can of course also beat Lewis”– Schumacher contradicts Valtteri Bottas’ claim that George Russell can’t beat Lewis Hamilton in 2022

Tanish Chachra | 21/02/2022
"We’re working together, communicating a lot" - Lewis Hamilton delivers high praise for new Mercedes teammate George Russell

Ralf Schumacher believes that George Russell can defeat his new teammate Lewis Hamilton with the same machinery in 2022.

George Russell next month is set to race for Mercedes as a full-time driver, and several things are expected from him. Though, hardly anyone is anticipating him to defeat Lewis Hamilton in his first season with the Brackley-based team.

Valtteri Bottas, in his recent interview, also said that the 24-year-old can’t defeat Hamilton in the same machinery. However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher thinks Russell can beat his compatriot in 2022.

During the Mercedes car reveal on Friday, Russell said he was “very cautious” about his 2022 Formula 1 season objectives. But “when he played against Bottas back then, he was much less reserved,” says Schumacher in an interview with “Sky” and adds: “I’m sure that internally he can of course also beat Lewis.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton has already flared the warning that he will be highly competitive this season. He suggested media not think that the end of 2021 was his best.

Also read: Toto Wolff denies reports that Mercedes asked for Michael Masi sacking

Ralf Schumacher thinks Mercedes is at the right balance with George Russell

Seeing Russell develop himself at Williams for three years made Schumacher wonder why Mercedes didn’t bring the Briton earlier. Though, he is sure that the current drivers’ setting by the reigning champions is appropriate.

“There were always discussions about Bottas. I never understood why it took so long. Russell is an exceptional talent, but whether it will be as far as Lewis remains to be seen,” said Schumacher.

“But I think it’s a great constellation. You shouldn’t forget that Mercedes also has to slowly orient itself towards the future. Lewis can say at any time that he doesn’t like it anymore or wants to stop. And you have to prepare accordingly.”, he said.

Also read: Toto Wolff explains Mercedes mindset as they head into the 2022 season with eight constructors’ championship

Post Edited By: Tanish Chachra
George Russell Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Ralf Schumacher Valtteri Bottas

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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