Coulthard Explains What Weapons Russell Needs as He Can’t Match Hamilton on ‘Pure Speed’

George Russell and his potential move to Mercedes next season have been a topic of speculation for months now. The young brit is heavily linked with the Silver Arrows to replace Valtteri Bottas.

The 23-year-old, who is in the last year of his contract has yet to score his first point for the Wantage-Based team. Although, Russell came agonizingly close in the last race weekend at Austria, where the Briton was overtaken by the two-time champion, Fernando Alonso at the dying moments of the race to finish P11.

Meanwhile, the former F1 driver, David Coulthard believes Russell needs his passion and hunger as he cannot beat Hamilton on pure speed. Furthermore, the W Series advisory chairman added the young Brit can push Hamilton the same way as Verstappen has done this season.

WATCH STORY: From Cristiano Ronaldo to Shaquille O’Neal: When Other Athletes Mingled With F1 Stars

What did David Coulthard say?

“He’s not going to beat Lewis with pure speed, Lewis is one of if not the fastest drivers of the last decade, George I believe has the talent to match that speed,” said the former F1 driver, David Coulthard.

Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 17, 2021. Williams’ George Russell during practice REUTERS/Peter Cziborra.

” He’s going to beat him with that passion, that hunger, that ‘you might be Lewis Hamilton but when we go on track, I don’t care who you are’. Which is exactly what Max Verstappen delivers when he’s in the race car.”

Russell to be named Hamilton’s teammate next season: Coulthard

David Coulthard believes George Russell to Mercedes is “just a matter of time”. Furthermore, he gives emphasis about the young brit’s talent when he replaced Lewis Hamilton at the Sakhir GP 2020 after the latter tested positive for coronavirus.

“I think George Russell is the real deal. I don’t know this for sure but it seems just a matter of time for George Russell getting announced as a Mercedes driver,” said David Coulthard.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

“He’s a coming talent, he showed what he could do when he was in the car in Bahrain. No disrespect to Valtteri who is a very good racing driver and is a grand prix winner, but sport is about momentum.” added the former British driver.

George Russell looked poised to win the Sakhir GP 2020 until he got involved in a botched pit stop. The young Brit finished the race at P9, earning his first three points of Drivers Championship, two for the ninth place and one for the fastest lap.

Valtteri Bottas has been under fire in recent weeks after Mercedes was helpless to compete for the championship this season. And Russel, who is part of Silver Arrows’ junior driver program will be the favorite to teaming up with Hamilton next season if Mercedes decided not to offer a new contract to Bottas.

Read More: Hamilton: Wolff Is ‘Our Leader’, I Am Just a ‘Nuisance’ Who Challenges Everything at Mercedes F1

Can we witness George Russell teaming up with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Coulthard Explains What Weapons Russell Needs as He Can’t Match Hamilton on ‘Pure Speed’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.