“Relationships are better when there is a clear number one,” George Russell reveals team dynamics with Lewis Hamilton after radio fiasco at Monaco GP

George Russell's relationship with his team was thrown into doubt after their radio debacle toward the race's climax

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (Credits: Sports Illustrated)

The Monaco GP was a positive outcome for Mercedes, who look to have improved tremendously with their new upgrade package. However, despite a positive result, George Russell has been subject to scrutiny after his team’s radio debacle during the race. He requested that Mercedes invoke team orders to allow him to overtake Lewis Hamilton to fight for the podium.

This has thrown the relationship dynamic between him and Lewis Hamilton into question. Speaking to Autohebdo, he said, “We have a very open relationship with Lewis. Relationships are better when there is a clear number one, or when both drivers are at different stages of their careers, like Lewis and I.”

He has insisted that there is no rift or fight for the number one position within the team. Regarding team dynamics, George Russell emphasizes that their goal is not to engage in internal rivalry for the number one position. Instead of fighting with his teammate, Russell primarily focuses on winning races and achieving success collectively.

FS Video

Mercedes secured P4 and P5 in the principality, which is a strong morale-booster ahead of the Grand Prix in Spain, where the true level of enhancement of their upgrades is set to be measured.

George Russell attributes the good team rapport to his secure Mercedes future

George Russell (Credits: Car and Driver)

The young Briton has asserted that rifts in team dynamics only arise when two drivers are in the same phase of their careers. He believes that since all-time great Hamilton’s career is approaching its climax while Russell is still in his prime, there is no need for relationships to be strained. He compared his team dynamic with that of McLaren and Ferrari.

The 25-year-old said, “When you have a team-mate of the same generation and at a similar level, that’s when it gets messy in a team. Take Charles [Leclerc] and Carlos [Sainz] for example, or Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri], they’re really fighting to secure their future and their positions within their team.” At the teams from Woking and Maranello, the driver line-up is young and hence those drivers are fighting to secure their career and future.

Should have had a podium today thanks to a great strategy, but a mistake from my side on the out lap cost us the two positions to end up P5. Very disappointed with the error but a lot of positives to take into Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/ytvFFWRuww
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) May 28, 2023

George Russell asserts that his future undoubtedly lies with the Silver Arrows, dispelling any notions of rivalry. With a clear understanding of his commitment, he emphasizes that his focus is not on competing with his teammate but rather on working together to achieve success.

The difference in their career stages seems to play a significant role in the relationship between the two Englishmen. This disparity fosters a sense of mutual respect between them, and they are ready to work in harmony to provide the German giants with the best possible results.