Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has questioned George Russell’s ability to think tactically about races, claiming that team-mate Lewis Hamilton is much better equipped in this area of his performances.
The 25-year-old Brit was on course to challenge Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris for the top two places at the Singapore Grand Prix two weeks ago when he clipped the outside wall at turn ten on the final lap, throwing away a guaranteed podium in a heartbreaking DNF.
This was simply the latest mishap for Russell, who has dropped below Lando Norris into eighth place in the Drivers’ Championship following another disappointing outing at Suzuka on Sunday. He now sits 75 points behind his legendary team-mate in the standings with six races left on the calendar.
Speaking to the Daily Mail about Russell, he said: “I can’t make up my mind about him. I like him. He is super-talented. It is a matter of what he is prepared to do to win.
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“He was hoping Carlos (Sainz) would run out of road at the last race (in Singapore). He was pushing very, very hard. I don’t think he thinks his race through, something Lewis does do.”
Russell has been enduring an extremely difficult season, coming under fire on multiple occasions due to his often passionate exchanges over the team radio during races, and his eagerness to race hard with team-mate Hamilton.
The man from King’s Lynn acknowledged his struggles in 2023 in an interview with Sky Sports F1 after the Japanese Grand Prix, stating: “For me, the goal is to secure P2 in the constructors’.
“On my personal side, the drivers’ championship is totally out of the window. It’s been a complete disaster of a season, so many missed chances. Lewis is in a really good position for P3. Standing here now, it’s all good.”
Despite claiming that he is playing the team game for the remainder of the 2023 season, the tension between Russell and Hamilton proved an issue once again at Suzuka as the two drivers went toe-to-toe in some fierce wheel-to-wheel action.
After close calls heading into the final chicane and on the exit of Spoon corner, Russell complained over the radio: “If you want to play the team game…he pushed me off the track earlier,” demonstrating the frustrations felt by the British racer as his team-mate was set free to finish P5 in the closing stages. Hamilton later admitted he and Russell would be having talks after ‘fighting’ with each other at the Japanese Grand Prix.
