Eddie Jordan says ‘world-class’ driver has been ‘second-rate’ compared to his teammate this year

Follow us on Google Discover

Eddie Jordan has admitted that Mercedes driver George Russell has looked ‘second-rate’ compared to teammate Lewis Hamilton this season.

Jordan was speaking to former Formula 1 drivers Martin Donnelly and David Coulthard on the Formula For Success Podcast.

We’re reaching the point in the season where we can start to assess how each driver fared in 2023.

There are plenty of drivers who still have something to play for in Abu Dhabi.

The race to finish fourth between Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris should go right down to the wire.

There’s also the battle between Mercedes and Ferrari to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship with just four points separating them.

Lewis Hamilton will finish best of the rest this season behind the two Red Bull cars despite not winning a race this year.

Eddie Jordan has admitted that he’s been underwhelmed by his Mercedes teammate George Russell this year.

He’s had his fair share of bad luck this season and will finish eighth in the championship, having only finished in the top three once.

He’s still earned himself a new contract at Mercedes but will know he needs to up his game going into 2024.

Jordan underwhelmed by Mercedes driver Russell

Speaking about Hamilton’s longevity in F1, Donnelly said: “Lewis, to be doing this since 2007, to go and pack a bag, unpack a bag, go to an airport, jump on a plane, even if it’s a Learjet.

“To still have that mojo to keep doing that, year in, year out.”

Jordan replied: “To do what he’s now doing and honestly, he’s making George [Russell] look a bit second-rate now at the moment.

“And George at the beginning we were thinking at the beginning of the year, he’s mustard, he’s world-class.

Donnelly concluded: “He’s performing against Lando [Norris], [Charles] Leclerc, even Max [Verstappen] is still looking over his shoulder.”

Jordan isn’t shy of sharing his thoughts on the current grid and Mercedes star Russell is the latest driver he’s given his verdict on.

He’s been blown away by Oscar Piastri this season and can’t believe Fernando Alonso is still driving at the level he is.

Russell will be desperate to finish the season on a high in Abu Dhabi.

He’ll have an extra practice session at his disposal with Hamilton giving his car up to Frederic Vesti in FP1.