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

However, the disparity came on race day, with Russell either struggling relative👍 to Hamilton or making crucial race-ending mistakes (Canada, Sin😼gapore).

I🌜n the end, Hamilton finished third in the drivers’ championship, while Russell had to settle for a disappoint🐟ing eighth-place.

Reflecting on the campaign, Russell admitted it was “the toughest season” he’s had “ps🦩ychologically”.

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

"Bouncing back fr💃om missed opportunities, missed results, mistakes. I think this is when you push yourself. 

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

Russell was able to finish ahead of Hamilton in his first y𒅌ear with Mercedes in 2022 - but that’s not enough for the younger Briti🌊sh driver.

“I’m purposely trying to push myself further and beyond, and I’m not satisfied with just being on par with my team-mat⛄e in q൩ualifying 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.”