The 2024 Formula 1 championship was a pivotal year for George Russell, just as it was expected to be even before the season began.
The passing of the torch
With the announcement last February of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Mercedes’ spotlight immediately shifted to the talent nurtured within the team’s young driver program.
At the core of this scrutiny was one question: Is George Russell truly ready to be the team leader in the future? Let’s analyze this by revisiting his latest season.
A convincing season
George Russell’s 2024 did not get off to the best start, with a crash on the final lap in Australia costing him a retirement and points.
Nonetheless, the Briton undeniably had his moments in what was a challenging year for the Silver Arrows, though more positive than the previous two seasons. The victory lost at Spa due to disqualification and the retirement at Silverstone caused by an engine issue did not prevent the British driver from securing wins in Austria and Las Vegas.
Overall, he outperformed Lewis Hamilton, particularly in qualifying. Was Lewis a “victim” of the team change? Without a doubt. Whether it was deliberate or not, it’s understandable that Mercedes focused on George Russell to prepare him for the future. And it seems that decision might pay off.
George Russell’s 2024 grade is a well-deserved 7 ½. With top-tier performances, the 1998-born driver has shown himself to be a potential world champion. Now it will be up to the team to provide him with a car capable of consistently fighting at the top…
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