The engines roar, the tires warm up and the first race of Formula 1 you are approaching. Starting this Thursday, in Bahrain the starting point of the 2023 season has been given. As in every beginning, the expectations and objectives are very high, but also the forecasts and the things to improve compared to the previous year. George RussellBritish pilot belonging to Mercedeshe didn’t hesitate to talk about it Lewis Hamiltonteammate and nationality, and gave a positive premonition.
In their first season together, Russell surpassed the seven-time world champion. The 25-year-old rider culminated in the fourth place in the general standings, while Hamilton finished in sixth position. But, despite this information, Russell played it down and assured that his compatriot he will re-emerge and have a great year.
Russell’s results surprised many. Considering that he came from a team like Williams, used to being behind, it was unthinkable to believe that he could come so close to the final podium. It’s not like it’s been a great year for the team he represents, but he took the only pole position and win of 2022 in Hungary and Brazil. Moreover, Hamilton had a very erratic performancesince then, he has been gone without winning a race in his F1 career for the first time since 2007.
“These stats against a rider like Lewis are very irrelevant. He has over 100 pole positions and victories,” Russell said this Thursday ahead of the start of the season this Sunday with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
On the other hand, he explained which aspects he would like to improve for this season and once again clarified that Hamilton is a good driver and that he will certainly resume the high level that has characterized him throughout his career. “The race pace is maybe what I want to improve a little bit, and I probably improved at the end of last year compared to Lewis. But he is a beast and will always fight, he perseveres at all times and never gives up. I think he will fight again.”.
The state of the Mercedes single-seaters
The two Mercedes suffered difficulties last year with the so-called rebound effect, an aerodynamic problem that causes cars to jump on the track. In testing last week it was noted that this has passed and Russell is keen to fight for the top positions with Hamilton, without having to worry about that detail.
“It’s a challenge I’m excited about,” Russell said, adding: “We both want to get on the top step of the podium, not just be first in the team.”
Red Bull, the great rival to overcome
Mercedes has conquered a record number of eight titles of manufacturers in a row before Red Bull ended that streak. with the Dutch Max Verstappen As the main figure, the last two conquests have been for the Austrian team.
“We have to trust our process. Mercedes had a world champion car eight years in a row.”Russell recalled. And he insisted: “We still have almost the same staff and they haven’t forgotten how to build a fast and winning car.”
Although logically, he clarified that, for the time being, Red Bull remains the favorite and best positioned team. “It’s fair to say that Red Bull are in another league this weekend in Bahrain,” he said.
“I think we will fight for second place between Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin. I am convinced that, as the season progresses, we will reduce that gap,” he concluded.
What will the presentation video of each race be like?
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.