Lewis Hamilton helps new Mercedes team-mate George Russell during seat fitting

Lewis Hamilton goes undercover to inspire school children

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Lewis Hamilton was pictured assisting George Russell during the 23-year-old’s Mercedes seat fitting ahead of the new season. The Britons are preparing for their first campaign as a partnership, with the opening race taking place in Bahrain next month.

On Wednesday, Mercedes uploaded a snap of Hamilton studying Russell’s car while the former Williams driver sat inside the new W13 for the first time.

Russell hoped he would not encounter any problems with his new seat and is due to drive the car for the first time at Silverstone.

In a short clip after arriving at the factory Russell said: “Today is a big day, sitting in the W13 for the very first time in my brand new seat.

“Fingers crossed I fit and get it ready to drive the car for the first time at Silverstone.”

After weeks of speculation regarding Hamilton’s future, the seven-time champion has returned to the team’s factory and is set to appear at the launch of the team’s 2022 car.

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The team posted a snap of Hamilton in Mercedes uniform in front of a black and white Union Jack, with the words: “Year 16”, adding further confirmation of Hamilton’s participation in the upcoming campaign.

It has been claimed that the Brit wanted a decision to be made over the future of FIA race director Masi before confirming his participation this year.

Masi controversially only ordered the lapped cars between Hamilton and Max Verstappen to overtake the duo in the last race of 2021.

Verstappen took advantage and sped past the seven-time world champion on the final lap to win his first title.

The Australian has come in for severe criticism for his decision in the months that have passed.

When the FIA announced its inquiry into the Abu Dhabi event last December, it said it would present its findings to the F1 Commission in February. 

Following his Abu Dhabi heartbreak, Hamilton took a two-month break from social media, sparking fears of retirement from many before his return.

Mercedes new boy Russell has sent a blistering warning to Red Bull that Verstappen’s title is on the line and will face a stiff challenge from their arch rivals.

“Because I spent so much time with the team prior to joining Williams in Formula 1 as a junior driver, I feel like I know everybody so well already,” he said.

Russell, a former Mercedes reserve driver, added: “So we were just straight to business on the important bits and bobs, to understand the new car, to understand the challenges, and to try and prepare as best as possible for the season ahead. 

“And I think following the conclusion of last year, there’s so much motivation and fire within the whole factory to bounce back. And that is incredible for me to see.”

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