Lewis Hamilton will ‘put pressure’ on Mercedes team-mate George Russell in 2023 F1 season, says Jenson Button

Jenson Button expects Lewis Hamilton to put more pressure on George Russell after losing in 2022; “I think he will start this year flat out. He will be in from the word go “; watch pre-season testing live on Sky Sports F1 from Thursday this week

Jenson Button expects Lewis Hamilton to put pressure on Mercedes team-mate George Russell by starting the 2023 Formula 1 season “flat out”.

Mercedes saw their eight consecutive constructors’ titles ended last season by Red Bull, as they failed to field a driver capable of challenging world champion Max Verstappen.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton was surprisingly outperformed by Russell, who in his debut campaign with the team finished two places in the top-mate and also claimed the only victory of the season.

“Mercedes has given us a winning car for many years,” said Button, who was Hamilton’s teammate at McLaren for three seasons. Sky Sports News.

“Last year he obviously didn’t, but the car won the race, so you’d say at the end of the year, he’s strong.

“And I think that Lewis was involved. His performances were very consistent until the middle to the end of the season, very quickly.

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

With the 2023 season underway, Sky F1’s Craig Slater and Ted Kravitz look at each of the 10 teams’ new cars.

“I think he’ll start the year flat. He’ll start from the word go.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it – it’s going to put a lot of pressure on George Russell, but I think it’s a good pair and I’m looking forward to the fight.”

Hamilton has repeatedly expressed his desire to extend his current contract with Mercedes, which expires at the end of the 2023 season, but Button has warned an uncompetitive car could change the 38-year-old’s mind.

“It’s something we do at some point in our careers and it’s the reason a lot of people retire – because they’re not in a winning car anymore,” said 2009 world champion Button, who retired from F1 in 2016.

“That’s why I’m leaving. You can deal with the pressure you’re under and the calendar if you’re in a winning car. to get out.”

Hill: Hamilton is motivated by his eighth world title

Former British world champion and Sky Sports F1 pundit Damon Hill believes Hamilton has been fueled by his desire to seal an eighth driver’s crown.

“He’s already thinking about retirement. At 38, he’s already talking about being one of the oldest people,” Hill said. Sky Sports.

“You’re looking forward to the end of your career – everyone knows that as a racing driver you can’t keep going, but he was fit and committed and looked after himself well.

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

Former F1 world champion Damon Hill believes high expectations are putting pressure on Ferrari as they aim for the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

“That’s the thought, can you get over it mentally by getting on the plane, going to the hotel and racing if you think it’s not going to be a competitive car.

“That’s the key. If the car gives him a chance to win, then he’ll be there.

“Racing drivers need carrots, and the world championship is a big carrot, but the eighth world title for Lewis and that means he is undisputedly the most successful Grand Prix driver in all the championships – that is a big carrot.

“I think he didn’t win in Abu Dhabi two years ago and he thought, ‘I’m going to get it back’.”