GEORGE RUSSELL claims Lewis Hamilton’s decision not to retire last year “saved him” from criticism. Russell landed 35 points more than Hamilton last season but the seven-time world champion is believed to have allowed Mercedes to use his car to experiment with design changes. The constructors became more competitive as the season went on with Russell landing his first ever F1 victory in Interlagos. While Hamilton had to endure his first ever winless season, ending a run that had been going since his debut year in 2007. With three races gone in this campaign, Hamilton leads Russell by 30 points.

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