Russell backs Hamilton for 'level playing field' success

George Russell is confident Lewis Hamilton remains the best driver in F1 and backed the seven-time champion to display his talent even if 'every car was the same'.

Mercedes has had the car to beat since the introduction of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014 but this year faces competition from Red Bull and Max Verstappen for championship honours.

F1 will race to completely new aerodynamic regulations next season with the gaps between teams expected to be less and closer racing possible.

In this new era, Russell expects Hamilton to again prove he is the top dog.

“I think that’s why we’re all so excited for next year," said Russell.

"We just all want a closer playing field and let the best man win. I really believe Lewis is the best driver out there because I have been inside that Mercedes team, I know what he does.

“Quite often the best driver gets in the best team. If every single car was the same, he’d still be fighting for the world championship. There’s not a single doubt about that.

“I think, even he would welcome a more [open] championship.”

Ocon takes his chance

The chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix that preceded the summer shutdown was won by Alpine driver Esteban Ocon.

The Frenchman benefitted from lap one errors from Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll that caused five retirements with other cars suffering varying degrees of damage.

After a strategic misjudgement from Mercedes, Hamilton joined Verstappen at the back of the field which left Ocon at the front of the pack.

“He’s [Ocon] often there in those key moments," said Russell. "There are many drivers on this Formula 1 grid who deserve to be winning races or fighting for victories week in, week out. Esteban is one of them.

“Unfortunately, many drivers don’t have that opportunity right now but it’s fantastic that we can show some sort of speed and that it’s not just the Lewis and Max show.”

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