Russell backs Hamilton to bounce back after ‘useless’ comment ahead of Dutch GP

George Russell said Lewis Hamilton was talking nonsense about being ‘absolutely useless’ and expected his former Mercedes teammate to bounce back from a tough start to his time at Ferrari.

Seven-times world champion Hamilton, winner of a record 105 races, was hard on himself after qualifying 12th at the last race in Hungary before the August break while teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole.

The 40-year-old has yet to stand on the podium for the Italian team.

“Of course he’s talking nonsense when he says something like that because he’s the greatest driver of all time,” Russell told reporters ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.

“He’s still an exceptional driver, we saw it -- he obviously won the sprint straight away at the start of the year in China,” added the Briton.

“He’s still clearly got it but Formula One is not an easy sport especially if the team is not performing at the highest level that compounds the issue. Of course, Charles is an amazing driver too.

“I think right now, 14 races down, probably every driver bar two are looking forward to 2026 and for a fresh opportunity to fight for a championship. For someone like Lewis, that’s what he lives for, not just getting in the points.”

Russell is set to stay at Mercedes next year but has yet to sign an extension to the contract that expires at the end of the season.

Verstappen happy to see old teammate Perez returning: Max Verstappen congratulated former Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez as soon as he heard the Mexican had secured a Formula One comeback with newcomers Cadillac next season, he revealed on Thursday.

Perez partnered the four-times world champion at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024 but left after a dramatic drop in form. The 35-year-old’s return, alongside Valtteri Bottas, with the 2026 debutants was announced on Tuesday.

“I quickly, when I saw the news come out, sent a message to him,” Verstappen told reporters ahead of his home Dutch Grand Prix.

“I’m of course very happy for him that he got a seat. He’s a great guy and we’ve always got along very well. I’m happy to see him back on the grid.

“How he’s going to perform, I think, will also depend on how good the car is going to be... but it’s a new opportunity and I’m sure he’s very excited for it.”

Reuters