Russell Defends Hamilton: 'Useless' Talk Is 'Nonsense'
Why it matters: George Russell has strongly defended Lewis Hamilton against his own "useless" assessment following a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix. This highlights the intense pressure and emotional toll on even the most decorated drivers, and the supportive dynamic among former teammates.
The context: After a Q2 elimination in Hungary and a subsequent pointless race, Lewis Hamilton expressed deep frustration, even suggesting Ferrari should consider replacing him. This self-criticism came during a challenging season where he's 42 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and without a podium.
What Russell said: Russell, Hamilton's former Mercedes teammate, dismissed these comments as "nonsense."
- "Of course he's talking nonsense when he says something like that because he's the greatest driver of all time," Russell stated ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
- He attributed Hamilton's remarks to raw emotion in the immediate aftermath of a disappointing performance.
- Russell also cited Hamilton's Sprint win in China earlier this season as proof of his continued elite performance, adding that F1 is "not an easy sport," especially when the team isn't performing optimally.
Leclerc, Ferrari, and the future:
- Hamilton's struggles are contrasted by Leclerc's five podiums this season, but Russell emphasized the broader picture.
- He suggested that most drivers, except for the current title contenders Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, are already looking ahead to 2026 for fresh championship opportunities.
- For Hamilton, who lives to fight for championships, this long-term view is particularly relevant amidst current team performance challenges.
Hamilton's shifting focus:
- Hamilton himself has acknowledged that his Ferrari debut season "has not been the most enjoyable."
- He is now determined to rediscover his passion and enjoyment for the sport, moving past the external "noise" that has "clouded" his experience with his dream team.
- "It's about kind of moving those things aside and just getting back to focusing on the pure love of what we do," Hamilton affirmed.
The big picture: Despite the turbulence and Hamilton's self-critique, Russell remains steadfast in his belief that the seven-time world champion's talent is undiminished, viewing his recent comments as an emotional response rather than a reflection of his true capability.