Boutsen: Hamilton and Russell Share the Same 'Problem'

Former F1 driver Thierry Boutsen says George Russell is dealing with the same "problem" that undermined Lewis Hamilton during his difficult 2025 season at Ferrari. He argues that a poorly performing car and shaken self-confidence hurt both drivers, but insists Russell can recover just as Hamilton has this year.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's resurgence in 2026—featuring a Spanish Grand Prix victory and enough podiums to put him second in the standings—shows how quickly a driver's fortunes can flip. For Russell, whose maiden title bid at Mercedes has stalled, the comparison offers reassurance that his slump is likely temporary. It also underlines that even elite drivers need the right machinery and mindset to deliver consistently.

The details:

• Boutsen told F1 that Hamilton "had the same problem as George last year," blaming a car that "was not going very well" and fading self-belief for making both campaigns look worse than the talent deserved.
• Hamilton has bounced back emphatically this season after a frustrating maiden Ferrari campaign, winning in Barcelona and collecting regular podiums.
• Russell has encountered his own issues at Mercedes this year, with various setbacks putting serious strain on his championship hopes.
• Boutsen backed Russell to return stronger, citing Niki Lauda's view that "you never learn anything from winning." He noted that defeat forces drivers to analyse their own performance, the car, and team dynamics in ways victory never does.

Between the lines:

Boutsen's assessment reframes Russell's 2026 struggles as a rite of passage rather than proof he cannot lead a title charge. The focus on self-confidence and team relationships suggests Mercedes must address the human element alongside the technical ones. If they do, Russell could yet prove that a season built on hard lessons can still end in championship contention.