Legendary F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has cast doubt on George Russell’s suitability as Mercedes’ team leader once Lewis Hamilton departs at the end of 2024.
Russell is set to assume the mantle of the de facto number one driver as Hamilton makes his move to Ferrari next year.
The former Williams driver notably outscored Hamilton during his inaugural year with the team in 2022, a feat achieved by only two other drivers – Jenson Button in 2011 and Nico Rosberg in 2016.
However, Russell faced a tougher challenge in 2023, finishing a disappointing eighth in the championship standings.
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Speaking on the latest edition of the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan expressed uncertainty about Russell’s ability to clinch a world championship in the coming seasons.
“Let’s be honest, George Russell has won one Grand Prix,” Jordan remarked.
“Do I think he can be a world champion next year or the year after? I just think that Lewis had too much on him.
“When Lewis didn’t quite have the car that he wanted at the beginning of the year, George was able to drive around that.
“Lewis didn’t bother because, not that he didn’t bother, but he just didn’t feel that the car was good enough to be able to do the job.”
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Jordan believes Hamilton’s resurgence in form played a pivotal role in his surprising move to Ferrari in 2025.
“But, nevertheless, as the season progressed, Lewis got his mojo together. And he made us all look up and say, ‘Hmm, maybe Lewis still has it’.
“And I think that because of the change in fortune, that’s why he went to Ferrari.”