David Coulthard says he's been "super impressed" with George Russell's debut to his campaign with Mercedes despite the Brackely squad's troubles and under-performance in the first two races of 2022.
Russell earned his seat alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton after an impressive three-year apprenticeship with Williams.
Unfortunately, the Briton's arrival at Mercedes has coincided with an unexpected performance slump by the German outfit due to the issues impacting its all-new 2022 car.
Hamilton salvaged a podium at the opening race in Bahrain, just ahead of Russell, but the 103-time Grand Prix winner crossed the checkered flag a lowly p10 in Saudi Arabia where his teammate finished fifth.
Despite Mercedes' significant shortfall, Coulthard gave Russell full marks on his opening performances with his new team.
"What’s actually happened is Ferrari and Red Bull have come flying out of the blocks and there are some who might judge that George’s first couple of races have not been up to standard," Coulthard told the Sunday Mirror.
"I wouldn’t agree with that. I think he’s handled the car and the situation well. You can only drive the car you’ve been given.
"I’ve been super-impressed – George has performed in line with my expectations. For me, he’s a brilliant all-round package.
"He has speed, he has excellent communication skills. He’s a modern version of a top professional racing driver.
"I thought that before the season started and I’ve seen nothing since to change my mind."
Coulthard extended his praise to McLaren driver Lando Norris whose team has also hit a rough patch at the start of its campaign.
The Scot views both Russell and Norris as outstanding talents who have delivered a breath of fresh air to the sport.
"Honestly, I’ve loved to see what George is bringing," said the commentator.
"Firstly, because he’s British. And secondly, because he’s bright-eyed, enthusiastic and an excellent communicator.
"It’s a gift to be a professional sportsperson. He’s embracing it and I think it’s inspirational.
"I’ve got a 13-year-old son and I want him to look up to the likes of George and Lando and they have been a breath of fresh air.
"There have been periods when it’s a bit staid, but you can’t say that about Formula 1 at the moment – and a lot of that is down to the excitement those two are generating."
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