2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg believes that George Russell presents the “ultimate test” at Mercedes to Lewis Hamilton.
Russell joined Mercedes at the start of the 2022 campaign, having been part of its junior programme for several years.
Russell beat Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship last year, and took its only win in what was a difficult campaign for the Brackley-based squad.
At the opening two rounds of the 2023 season, Russell has appeared more comfortable at the wheel of the W14 car, which once again is seeing Mercedes compete off the front-running pace.
Rosberg, who partnered Hamilton at Mercedes for four years, sees Russell as a major test for the seven-time World Champion.
“George is the ultimate test, he is a future World Champion,” Rosberg told Sky F1. “It is difficult for Lewis to stay in front.
“George had an awesome season last year and that is continuing. Let’s not forget, Lewis is the best of all time, so if someone can beat George it is him.
“It is a little bit of a weakness that Lewis has that he will mentally go into this down a little bit and lose a little bit of the flow.
“But he comes back with a bang every single time so, dear George, don’t get too confident there.”
After the first two rounds of the year, Hamilton holds a narrow lead over Russell in the standings.
The duo will take to the track this weekend in Melbourne, Australia, where Russell bagged his maiden podium for Mercedes 12 months ago.
Hamilton is a two-time winner at the race, having last come out on top at Albert Park in 2015.
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