On raw pace terms, Russell and Hamilton were one of the most evenly-matched te🐟am꧑mate pairings on the grid, particularly in qualifying.

However, t♔he disparity came on race day, with Russell either struggling relative to Hamilton or making crucial race-ending mistakes (Canada, Singapore).

In the end, Hamilton finished third in the drivers’ cha🉐mpionship, while Russell had to settle for a disappointing eig🔥hth-place.

Reflecting on the campaign, Russell admitted it was “the toughest season” he’s had “psychological🐈ly”.

🌳“No doubt, it’s been probably the toughest season I’ve ever had psychologically," heꦕ told

"Bouncing back from missed opportuꦏnities, missed results, mistakes. I think t🅘his is when you push yourself. 

“And p🌜robably when I sit through my championship years, I probably wasn’t being pushed as much as I’m pushing myself now.”

Russell was able to finish ahead of Hamilton in his first year with Mercedes in 2022 - but tha💯t’s not enough for the younger British driver.

“I’m purposely trying to push myself further and beyond, and I’m not satisfied with just being on par with my teꦅa🌺m-mate in qualifying or whatever it may be,” he added.

“Or [2022 when] we were very even across the whole season. I want to be ahead✱. And that’s what I’m pushing myself for.”