Coulthard: Hamilton has 'turned the tide' against Russell

©Mercedes

David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton has upped his game and recouped the upper hand over George Russell at Mercedes.

The intra-team rivalry between the two drivers has so far been a harmonious affair, with Hamilton and Russell working together for the benefit of their Mercedes team after a difficult period of underperformance for the Brackley squad.

However, last season, Russell appeared to hold an edge over his illustrious teammate, the former delivering to Mercedes in Brazil its single win of the 2023 season and concluding his season fourth in the Drivers' standings, or two spots ahead of Hamilton.

But as Mercedes' form has ascended this season, so has Hamilton's mojo, theseven-time world champion scoring points in every race so far and stepping onto the podium and three events.

©Mercedes

"We gave warning of 'be careful of getting ahead of yourself' because Lewis, when he is on form, is a formidable teammate," reminded Coulthard on his latest Formula For Success podcast.

"We have definitely seen a turning of the tide, in terms of Lewis looking pretty sharp, there's this spring in his voice when he's talking to the team."

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Coulthard's sidekick on the podcast, former team boss Eddie Jordan, as impressed as he has been by Russell, acknowledged that Hamilton had picked up the pace.

"I was super concerned [about Russell]," Jordan said. "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."

Jordan labeled as "encouraging" Mercedes' progress of late, but reckons that Aston Martin still has the better car compared to its rival.

"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," commented the Irishman.

"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."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.