Martin Brundles words below:
Russell a match for Hamilton in Merc's 'best driver pairing'?
The major driver line-up change for this year comes at Mercedes, where young British star George Russell has finally earned his chance alongside his hero and idol Hamilton.
"George can challenge Lewis this season," Brundle insists. "Watching the decision and patience you need to drive the cars - that's going to be a key factor - George has got all the feel and touch and maturity he needs to make these cars sing.
"In my mind, Mercedes have the strongest driver pairing. George knows the team, he's going home effectively, he knows what he's stepping into. He will find Lewis' relentless season-long, race-by-race, day-by-day, hour-by-hour commitment potentially soul-destroying, but I think he's confident and talented enough to live with it.
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Its the mental aspect that is the biggest unknown, Rosberg ran away from F1 as he couldnt handle being Lewis's teammate anymore. Bottas was worn down. How will Russell handle it?
On the track over the course of the season will he score more points and win the internal team qually battle with hamilton? I doubt it at present. But it remains to be seen how good russell really is. We'll know more by half way through the season.