1996 Formula 1 champion Damon Hill maintains that George Russell’s mistakes at the Canadian Grand Prix stemmed from trying too hard to prove himself to Mercedes.
Russell was in contention to end Mercedes’ win drought at the Canadian Grand Prix last weekend, but regretted two errors that saw him drop from pole to third.
The Briton gave up a place to eventual race winner Max Verstappen as he crossed the final chicane on lap 22 as McLaren’s Lando Norris overtook him for the first time.
Although Russell regained the position over his compatriot once the track dried out later in the race, a wide moment into Turn 8 would allow Norris to regain second place.
That prompted Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to make a rare radio intervention to tell Russell to “concentrate”, but Hill suspects the message would have had a negative impact.
“I think it can be a little bit detrimental if your team boss coaches you on the team radio during the race and tells you to concentrate,” Hill said on the Ski F1 podcast.
George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W15. 06/09/2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Round 9, Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal, Canada, Race Day.
The former Williams driver’s mistakes in Montreal were not as catastrophic as the late crashes in Singapore last season, which cost him a podium finish or Australia in March.
However, Hill is convinced that Russell’s tendency to make mishaps at critical moments could be resolved if Mercedes shows more faith in him to lead the team.
Russell is in line to become the most experienced name at Mercedes if Andrea Kimi Antonelli steps up to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton next season.
“I think this is a problem for George,” explained the Briton. “He’s been there at Mercedes now… they haven’t had a great run but he’s definitely doing the job for them.
“Lewis will go to Ferrari next year. He is trying to establish himself as the main driver and has not succeeded yet.
“I think because they’re talking all the time about who their teammate is going to be next year instead of badmouthing George.
“I think Mercedes should back him a little more, give him a little more confidence and then maybe he doesn’t have to try so hard to prove himself in the race because it seems to me like they are trying to make up for things a little bit.” .
“I think he needs to calm down. He has speed, he has skill, he is very intelligent. I am sure she will be able to meet them if they give her a little more comfort there.”
