George Russell has openly shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's current struggles at Ferrari, emphasizing the psychological challenges of adapting to a new team in Formula 1. Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Russell, who was Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes from 2022 to 2024, expressed empathy for the seven-time world champion's situation.

Understanding Hamilton's Challenges

Russell acknowledged that Hamilton's move to Ferrari has not been smooth, with the British driver often lagging behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. "He's a champion, he's a winner, and he's in a position where he can't achieve that," Russell said. "It's not easy to accept. If he was beaming with a big smile, you'd be questioning why he's beaming with a big smile."

The Psychological Battle

Russell highlighted the mental aspect of Formula 1, noting that Hamilton's current form is more about psychology than physical skill. "It's all psychology - it's not about working harder. It's about your mental state. If you're not happy, it's difficult to drive quick as well," he explained.

Leclerc's Strong Performance

Russell also praised Leclerc's performance this season, suggesting that any assessment of Hamilton should consider the Monegasque driver's strong form. "Charles has been doing a mega job and you'd also be questioning Charles if a driver comes in and is on his pace straight away," Russell said.

Historical Context

Drawing parallels with Hamilton's first season at Mercedes in 2013, Russell noted that adapting to a new team takes time. "When I joined Mercedes, the first six months were tough getting attuned to working with new people," Hamilton had said earlier.

Looking Ahead to Miami

As the Formula 1 circus moves to Miami, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can turn his season around. Russell remains optimistic, stating, "I'm sure it will click at one point."

Conclusion

Russell's insights provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in Formula 1, especially when a driver of Hamilton's caliber faces unexpected challenges. The Miami Grand Prix will be a crucial test for Hamilton as he seeks to regain his form and confidence.