“George Russell is the real deal,” David Coulthard believes the youngster can challenge Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

“George Russell is the real deal,” David Coulthard believes the youngster can challenge Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

George Russell, Lewis Hamilton

George Russell is expected to make his move to Mercedes in the near future, as he will drive alongside fellow Briton, Lewis Hamilton. Russell stepped in for Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix last year, after the latter tested positive for covid-19. He drove a fantastic race, and also claimed the first F1 points of his career.

David Coulthard, former F1 driver believes that George Russell has the passion and desire to become one of the top drivers. He gave an example of his coming together with Valtteri Bottas at Imola GP, where he showed his hunger for the game.

“We saw George’s hunger and racing spirit when he came together with Valtteri in Imola,” Coulthard told The Mirror. “He probably overreacted there, which is just an opinion.. But what we did see was his passion behind the wheel and that’s the sort of passion he’s going to need to beat Lewis,” he added.

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David Coulthard believes that George Russell has the same passion as Max Verstappen, and he can challenge Lewis Hamilton for the world championship.

“He’s not going to beat Lewis with pure speed, Lewis is one of if not the fastest drivers of the last decade, George I believe has the talent to match that speed. Which is exactly what Max Verstappen delivers when he’s in the race car,” he added.

Coulthard heaps praise on George Russell

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David Coulthard heaped praise on George Russell, and stated that it is only a matter of time before he becomes a Mercedes driver. The former driver believes that Russell is an upcoming talent, and like any sport, he deserves to get his opportunity sooner rather than later.

“I think George Russell is the real deal,” former driver Coulthard said. “I don’t know this for sure but it seems just a matter of time for George Russell getting announced as a Mercedes driver. “He’s a coming talent, he showed what he could do when he was in the car in Bahrain. No disrespect to Valtteri who is a very good racing driver and is a grand prix winner, but sport is about momentum,” he added.

“Whether it’s motor racing, football or whatever sport you’re following, there’s a time when that talent needs to be given the opportunity. I’ve no doubt that he has the skills to deliver,” added Coulthard.

Also Read: “Hope He is Happy with Himself”: Christian Horner Slams Lewis Hamilton