© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
By Carol M. Creasey
Today George Russell realised his dream of driving for Mercedes, by standing in for Lewis Hamilton, who continues to rest after a COVID-19 positive test result.
When the young Briton topped both Sakhir Grand Prix free practice sessions, the reaction was staggering, with certain people labelling Lewis Hamilton a “fraud”, and saying his success was only because he is in the fastest car. Afterwards Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was interviewed by Sky Sports F1, and he explained that although Lewis’s COVID symptoms were mild, he is not in a good place, understandably so, as he has never missed a race, since he first started Formula One in 2007.
Lewis and his car are one, this is why he gets the results that he does, and to be forced to miss a race must be heartbreaking. The word he has used is “devastating.”
When it was pointed out to Toto that George’s performance in Friday’s free practice sessions had prompted certain people to say that it prove’s Hamilton’s success is just due to his car, even behind his mask it was clear that his reaction was one of anger. He reminded the interviewers that Lewis is a seven-time world champion, and because of his outstanding talent he has earned the right to drive the fastest car. He also reminded them that the fastest drivers are rewarded by being given the best machinery, and nobody ever won a championship in a slow car, no matter how good they were.
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During his career, Lewis has earned himself 98 pole positions because he can do something special with the car, and sometimes the times he records appear not to be possible on paper. His skill in the wet has never been equalled by anyone, he is not just fast, he is at one with his car and knows how to get the very best out of it.
It’s great to see George doing so well, but qualifying is tomorrow, and as Valtteri Bottas had some car problems in first practice today and then his fastest time deleted in FP2, there’s still everything to play for. Lewis is not there to show what he can do, sadly, but he has proved himself many times over and over, so his legacy stands firm, no matter what certain people say.
Good luck to Valtteri and George tomorrow, you can both do Mercedes proud, and here is hoping Lewis is able to return for the last race at Abu Dhabi, he is sadly missed by his fans.
Be sure to follow Carol on Twitter @eagertogo and visit her website www.carolmcreasey.com!
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