Former F1 race winner David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton has 'turned the tide' against George Russell at Mercedes. The seven-time World Champion endured his first winless campaign in his 16-season F1 career last term as teammate Russell secured Mercedes' only victory of the season at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Russell also ended his first season with the Silver Arrows ahead of Hamilton in the Drivers' standings, whilst the new campaign began in a similar vein. But Hamilton has claimed more podiums for the German manufacturer and sits ahead in the championship table, with former Williams, McLaren and Red Bull driver Coulthard telling the Formula For Success podcast: "We gave warning of 'be careful of getting ahead of yourself' because Lewis, when he is on form, is a formidable teammate. "We have definitely seen a turning of the tide, in terms of Lewis is looking pretty sharp, there's this spring in his voice when he's talking to the team."
Mercedes encouraging
"I was super concerned [about Russell]," added former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan. "However, George has absolutely surpassed everything I thought he could be and he is a brilliant potential future World Champion, if he is in the right position and the right car, he has got everything. "Lewis has upped his game, however. He has found his mojo again. He drove a good tactical race [in Canada], giving the car the best chance. "I think it is encouraging what we are seeing at Mercedes but they still have a bit to catch up with the Aston Martin which still looks very strong, and the Red Bull. "But I don't see the Red Bull suffering in the future. I think the championship is over, sad to say, but that's what I think – I don't see anyone touching Max [Verstappen]."
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