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 strugglingꩵ relative to Hamilton or making crucial race-ending mistakes (Canada, Singapo🍷re).

In the end, Hamilton finished t🏅hird in the drivers’ championship, while Russell had to🍸 settle for a disappointing eighth-place.

Reflecting on the campaign, Russell admi𝓡tted it was “the toug💎hest season” he’s had “psychologically”.

“No doubt, it’s been probably the toughest season I’ve eve♉r had psychologically," he told

"Bouncing back from missed o𒁃pportunities, missed results, mistakes. I think this is when you push yourself. 

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

Russ🥃ell was able to finish ahead of Hamilton in his first year with Mercedes in 2022 - but that’s not enough for the younger British driver.

“I’m purposely trying to push myself further and beyond, and I’m not saꦬtisfied with just being on par with my team-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.”