Ex-champion Lewis Hamilton finished five spots ahead of George Russell in the championship this year – casting doubt over the latter’s long-term future at Mercedes
Eddie Jordan has questioned whether George Russell is good enough to rival Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Russell struggled in 2023. He finished eighth in the championship after recording just two podiums. Hamilton, meanwhile, achieved six podiums to finish third overall. Only the two Red Bull drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, enjoyed more success this year.
Russell joined Mercedes from Williams two years ago and was expected to push for victories. Yet the 25-year-old has picked up just one triumph to the leave critics, such as Jordan, questioning whether he’s capable of matching Hamilton’s achievements.
On the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan discussed Russell’s future with former Formula 1 drivers Martin Donnelly and David Coulthard. Russell’s contract with Mercedes is set to expire in two years, and if his performance doesn’t improve, he may lose it.
“Lewis, to be doing this since 2007, to go and pack a bag, unpack a bag, go to an airport, jump on a plane, even if it’s a Learjet,” Donnelly remarked in reference to Hamilton’s longevity. to maintain the motivation to carry out that action year after year.”
That’s when Jordan replied: “To do what he’s now doing and honestly, he’s making George look a bit second-rate now at the moment. And George at the beginning we were thinking at the beginning of the year, he’s mustard, he’s world-class.”
As Jordan claims, Russell’s stock was much higher this time last year. He finished fourth in the championship – two spots ahead of Hamilton – and won in Sao Paulo. Yet Russell failed to outperform the seven-time world champion again in 2023.
Donnelly added: “He (Hamilton) performing against Lando (Norris), (Charles) Leclerc, even Max is still looking over his shoulder.”
Although Hamilton endured a second successive winless campaign in 2023, the fact he was able to outperform Russell and several other upcoming F1 stars was telling. His form bodes well for next year… if Mercedes can give him a competitive car.
Toto Wolff, the CEO of Mercedes, is optimistic that they can succeed. “Each challenging year contributes to a growth curve that ultimately improves you,” Wolff said to Planet F1 this month following the team’s underwhelming 2023 season. “We weren’t able to compete for the World Championship, which is something I would have preferred. We are eager for next year as a result.
“Everything is geared toward 2024. We apply the lessons learned and continue our analysis, but this time it’s focused on the organization rather than the new car.”
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