Betrayal: George Russell photographed partying with Lewis Hamilton’s nemesis

George Russell outscored Lewis Hamilton in his first season as a Mercedes driver last year.

Fernando Alonso and George Russell have shocked F1 fans by celebrating the New Year together, as the Mercedes driver shared a picture of the pair partying the night away via his Instagram account.

With Russell being 17 years younger than Alonso, and with the Brit being 24 years old, their friendship has come as a surprise to many; however, in the paddock it is very well-established.

Russell has often spoken very highly about the double World Champion, whom he enjoyed an excellent battle with at the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix.

On that occasion, Russell was attempting to claim a points finish for Williams, only for the wily old fox to snatch P10 at the Red Bull Ring for Alpine.

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The image shared by Russell is a slightly mad one, with the photo being far from still!

Russell and Alonso were seen making the most of New Year’s Eve in the image, with the Mercedes driver having his arm around the Aston Martin competitor, whilst the duo were enjoying a spot of dancing.

It would come as no shock that the King’s Lynn-born driver appears to be incredibly mature for his age, with the Brit holding the responsibility of being head of the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association).

Their friendship is a refreshing one to see, with Alonso perhaps being able to give Russell tips on how to claim a world title.

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Something he doesn’t need tips on is beating seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, given that Russell ended 2022 above the 37-year-old.

Russell’s maiden campaign for Mercedes was exceptional, especially given how challenging the W13 was to drive.

The Brit incredibly, claimed his first pole position and victory last year, both of which were the Brackley-based team’s only ones in 2022.

By beating Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship, Russell became just the third team-mate to have ever beaten the 103-time GP winner, alongside Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.

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Looking ahead to the new season, Russell will be hopeful that Mercedes can deliver a title-challenging car, with the side having been the third best side for the vast majority of last season.

For Alonso, he’ll be hoping to score consistent points for Aston Martin, as he makes the switch from Alpine.

The Silverstone-based team are incredibly ambitious with their plans to become a frontrunning side; however, Alonso is certainly a driver who can take the team to new heights.