Mercedes’ Mike Elliott says Lewis Hamilton “pushes the team”

© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.

Technical Director Mike Elliott says Mercedes needs Lewis Hamilton’s way of motivating the team, especially “going into difficult winter”.

At the Japanese Grand Prix Saturday press conference, Mercedes’ Technical Director Mike Elliott was asked how Lewis Hamilton’s work ethic has manifested itself during the team’s difficult 2022 season.

“I think, to be fair, both our drivers have been brilliant this year,” Elliott said.

“We’ve not given them the car that they need to fight and particularly for Lewis, seven times world champion, to not have been in that position, to be winning races every weekend and fighting for championships has been hard.

“I think Lewis pushes the team. I think he does a really good job of giving us feedback. He works really hard. His work ethic has not changed at all this year.

“He’s here, late in the evenings, working with us, trying to get the most from the car and I think that’s just an encouragement to everybody else in the team to see the input he’s putting in.

“Lewis also spoke to the factory probably nearly two weeks ago and stood up and spoke to them and he was brilliant.


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“I guess what you expect from a character like Lewis:  properly leading,  properly bringing energy to the team. I think that’s what we need going into difficult winter.”

Moving onto George Russell, who one time described himself as being “quite pushy”, Elliott was asked to give his verdict on how the young Briton did so far in his first season with Mercedes.

Well, I think you expect racing drivers to be pushy,” he said.

“They have a limited career and they want to win. And I think I wouldn’t describe George as over pushy. I think he’s working really hard with the team.

“I think what’s been really nice has been to see him grow,” Elliott concluded.

“You sit down next to a seven time World Champion at the table and bringing your contributions has got to be tough at the beginning, but I think George has had a big part to play in the team and I think he’s doing a really good job.

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