“Like One Good Wine”: George Russell Heaps Praise on Lewis Hamilton Ahead of British Grand Prix

George Russell is the overwhelming favorite to race for Mercedes in 2022. Although the decision isn’t official yet, Lewis Hamilton looks most likely to welcome the British youngster to Mercedes next year.

Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Rusell praised the seven-time world champion while talking about his recent contract extension.

George Russell believes Lewis Hamilton is only getting better with age

The Williams driver is surpassing all expectations this season. Despite racing with a car rooted to fighting Haas at the back of the grid, Russell almost scored his first point with Williams at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend.

In addition, the Briton lived up to his ‘Mr. Saturday’ nickname by reaching Q3 for the first time with Williams last weekend. Hence, the 2018 F2 world champion has all the credentials to earn a drive at Mercedes in 2022 especially with Valtteri Bottas struggling this season.

Should the Silver Arrows confirm him to drive for them next year, he will have a seven-time champion in Hamilton as his teammate. With the 36-year-old signing a contract extension until 2023, Russell admitted he was delighted about Hamilton’s decision.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: ART Grand Prix Formula 2 driver George Russell of Great Britain and Williams F1 and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP talk in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 22, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

He said, “I’m really happy that Lewis is staying in the sport. He’s obviously a global superstar and still drives at an exceptional level. I think he’s like one good wine, it gets better with age.” (Quotes translated from Google)

Although the championship battle is running away from Hamilton, Russell expects his fellow Briton to push till the end. “Max and Red Bull seem to be very strong. But I’m sure that Lewis will push all the way,” said the 23-year-old.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton: His Road Through F1 How He Discovered His Love For Racing

Can Russell score his first points with Williams in Silverstone?

The next race in Silverstone is a home race not just for Russell, but Williams as well. While the Briton came agonisingly close to points finishes in the last two races, he could face the same situation in the British Grand Prix.

Williams look a more improved outfit than last season, with Russell clearly outperforming the capabilities of the car. And with an impeccable record in qualifying, Russell could spring an upset to the regular names in the Top 10 on July 18.

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