George Russell can’t argue against Lewis Hamilton status in Mercedes hierarchy, says Anthony Davidson

Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have engaged in wheel-to-wheel battles in each of the last two races; Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson says Russell would be louder if Hamilton wasn’t a seven-time world champion

George Russell “can’t argue” with teammate Lewis Hamilton who has a higher status in the Mercedes hierarchy, according to Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson.

The Silver Arrows duo have struggled on track in each of the last two races, with Russell briefly irritated by the match at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Russell impressively defeated Hamilton in his debut season with the team last year, but the seven-time world champion has hit back to move ahead of his teammate by 75 points with six races remaining in 2023.

While Russell is never shy about making suggestions over team radio, Davidson suspects Hamilton’s legendary status within the sport – and at Mercedes – plays a role in the younger driver’s respectful and ‘polite’ approach to communication.

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battle for the second time in the race entering Turn 11 at Suzuka

“There’s definitely a hierarchy on that team,” Davidson told the newspaper Sky Sports F1 podcast. “Rightly so. You know, Lewis has earned that status on that team as a seven-time world champion, and George can’t argue with that.

“George is still the understudy and he does very well when he has the speed above Lewis to really compete.

“But he does it in such a George Russell polite way, which is quite humorous to see, because I know he’ll be smoking and steaming in the car.

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell almost collide as they battle for seventh place at the Japanese Grand Prix

“And that’s why we see the near misses, the drivers almost crashing into each other, almost making contact, but he’s also a good boy on the radio, he’s very British about it.

“And there are layers to him, to the annoyance, I think. It always comes across as, ‘I’m okay with this, but if you would please, very happily, let me through on the next few opportunities,’ I would be greatly appreciated.”

“And we might hear a little louder if things were different. But I think for now he knows where he is on the team.”

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

George Russell crashes on the final lap of a thrilling Singapore Grand Prix as Carlos Sainz holds on to victory, while Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton complete the top three

After scoring eight podium finishes in his first season at Mercedes, including the team’s only win in 2022, Russell has made just one top three in his second season.

The 25-year-old looked on course to add a second before a dramatic crash on the final lap in Singapore handed Hamilton a fifth podium of his campaign.

Having recently signed contract extensions, both Hamilton and Russell are committed to the team until the end of the 2025 season.

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton both lost on the opening lap of the Singapore Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz leading the way and Charles Leclerc jumping into second place

“He (Russell) knows he has the speed. We all see it from the outside too,” Davidson added.

“Lewis sticks out his elbows when necessary. I’m really intrigued by this battle and seeing how George is developing as a driver and how Lewis is in the final years of his career.

“To see this young, hard-working driver in George really threaten him because of his speed and consistency, and it’s great to see Lewis getting stuck into that too.”

Will Max Verstappen complete his third world championship at the first attempt at the Qatar GP? Watch every session of the sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from October 6 to 8. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel at any time