Ex-Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has cast doubt on George Russell’s suitability to lead Mercedes once Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari at the end of 2024.
Mercedes has been rocked by Hamilton’s decision to activate a break clause in his contract that enabled him to negotiate a switch to Ferrari from the start of next year.
But speaking to media including Motorsport Week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff outlined that there was no rush to sign Hamilton’s replacement as he believes Russell retains the “potential to be the next lead driver”.
Russell stepped up to a seat with Mercedes in 2022 and impressed amid a challenging campaign for the marque to outscore his illustrious team-mate by 275 points to 240.
However, the Briton endured “one of the worst seasons of my career” last term as a multitude of spurned opportunities saw him trail a sizeable 59 points behind Hamilton.
Jordan, who has suggested that Mercedes should attempt to prize Sebastian Vettel out of retirement, asserts that the previous season showcased that Russell’s presence will not soften the blow of losing Hamilton.
“Let’s be honest, George Russell has won one grand prix,” Jordan told the Formula For Success podcast. “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.
“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.”
Jordan’s comments come after Wolff commented that the discourse surrounding Hamilton’s impending departure had seen Russell’s credentials become underrated.
“Also of course with all the Lewis discussion something that has not been talked enough is George,” he said.
“Having George in the seat is great for the team. He’s been going toe to toe with Lewis the last two seasons. There was nothing between them and knowing that we have a driver at that level makes the decision for the second seat much more comfortable.”
Regarding who could partner Russell at Mercedes next season, Wolff admitted that all options are on the table from an established name to an up-and-coming star.
“I haven’t really properly reflected with the team on where we want to go,” he added. “From a rookie to very experienced because I don’t know yet what is the best for any potential driver coming or for the team going forward.
“Let me say, if you told me two days ago that Lewis would be going to Ferrari I didn’t think it was possible. Situations and things can change quickly.
“Contracts are only as good as the driver or the teams want to race and who knows what’s happening in the driver market that could be unexpected or opportunities for us.”
One option that has been touted is Mercedes Junior Team driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has skipped a step on the single-seater ladder to embark upon his Formula 2 debut.
However, Wolff has cautioned expectations surrounding the prospect of the 17-year-old potentially graduating to the top flight as early as next year in a works Mercedes car.
“Kimi has been with Mercedes since he was 11. He’s been in the junior programme and his career was very successful,” he acknowledged.
“I think most important at that stage is he focuses on F2. If we start to spin his mind or unleash rumours that’s not going to help his F2 campaign.
“He’s just stepped out of karts a few years ago. He’s not even 18. I would rather not start any speculation about Kimi going into F1 at this stage.”
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