Despite George Russell finishing the Sakhir GP with Mercedes in P9, many in the F1 paddock were very impressed by his performance, as he was immediately able to match Valtteri Bottas and was on course for victory.
Speaking several weeks after the grand prix, 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill has said a “star was born” in that race and he believes Russell has a bright future ahead of him.
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“For me that was the race George Russell substituted for Lewis Hamilton. I’m sorry for Lewis and Valtteri, but at that point a star was born.
“He was given a golden opportunity and did a great job, but unfortunately it didn’t end well. But he did show what he’s capable of,” Hill said on the In The Pink podcast.
Continuing, the ex-F1 driver admitted that it would fascinating to see how each driver would perform in equal machinery, but said that having different cars is part of Formula One’s DNA:
“The question is often asked: ‘If all the drivers had the same equipment, who would win the race?’ But unfortunately, in this sport, not everyone can have the same equipment. It’s in the DNA of the sport.”
Despite his outstanding performance in Bahrain, George Russell will still be racing with Williams next year – and he’ll be eagerly waiting for Lewis Hamilton or Bottas to leave the Silver Arrows so he can land a seat in a competitive car.
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