Mercedes simulator racer explains Lewis Hamilton’s abject frustration with his team at the Japanese GP

Anthony Davidson reveals reasons behind Lewis Hamilton’s frustration at the Japanese Grand Prix

Mercedes simulator racer explains Lewis Hamilton’s abject frustration with his team at the Japanese GP

Lewis Hamilton (via Wallpaper Cave)

Lewis Hamilton finished fifth at Suzuka, as the top Mercedes driver after his tussle against George Russell. The seven-time World Champion seemed disheartened after the race. Davidson, the simulator driver at Mercedes explains why.

Anthony Davidson recently appeared on the Sky F1 podcast. He commented on Lewis’ disappointment after the GP. Davidson said, “I think you hear a level of frustration. He’s just seen Max Verstappen and Red Bull just run away with it and destroy the competition. Straight after the race, you’re a bit devastated by that.”

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Red Bull have been dominating the entire season. They appeared to have faltered last weekend in Singapore, allowing the Silver Arrows and Hamilton to sniff victory for the first time in 2023. The way Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix could suggest a return to this year’s norm. That wouldn’t bode well Hamilton.

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Anthony Davidson hints at Lewis Hamilton always being Mercedes’ first choice ahead of George Russell

The Mercedes duo battling it out at Suzuka was definitely the highlight of the Japanese Grand Prix. The rising tension between the two teammates became apparent with Russell’s radio messages in the closing laps of the race. Anthony Davidson, Mercedes’ simulator driver, comments on the incident and offers insight into the inner workings of the team.

George Russell, Anthony Davidson, and Lewis Hamilton (via imago)
George Russell, Anthony Davidson, and Lewis Hamilton (via imago)

Davidson reveals that there certainly exists a hierarchy at Mercedes and George Russell is well aware of it. The Briton said [according to silverarrows.net] “There’s definitely a hierarchy in that team, And rightly so. You know, Lewis has earned that status in that team as a seven-time world champion, and George can’t argue against that.” Davidson says that the veteran is the clear number one driver at Mercedes.

Debates about Mercedes’ team dynamics started after the Japanese Grand Prix. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton fought for on-track positions in the early stages of the race. As the race drew to a close, Russell seemed hesitant to let Lewis Hamilton, who was much faster, through. Ultimately, Mercedes had to resort to using team orders to make sure Lewis passed Russell.

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