Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has issued praise for George Russell and said that the Briton has started well with Mercedes, despite the Silver Arrows' early-season struggles.

The British driver sealed a move to Mercedes from Williams for the start of this campaign and would have been hoping that the team would have produced another title-challenging car.

However, they have had a few struggles in the early stages of the season, with Red Bull and Ferrari having a clear pace advantage both in qualifying and in the race.

It's just an extra challenge George has to deal with as he gets to grips with a new team, then, but former McLaren driver Coulthard has told the  Sunday Mirror that he is really impressed with what he has seen so far:

“He (Russell) was brilliant with Williams. It led to him being courted by Mercedes, as everyone knows.

“But the honeymoon period when you can do no wrong changes quickly, particularly when there’s an expectation that, given the car you are driving, you should be in the top three.

“What’s actually happened is Ferrari and Red Bull have come flying out of the blocks and there are some who might judge that George’s first couple of races have not been up to standard. I wouldn’t agree with that. I think he’s handled the car and the situation well. You can only drive the car you’ve been given.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 20: George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes pose for a photo prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 20, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“His next job will be, along with Lewis Hamilton, to be the voice that enables his Mercedes team to develop a winning car.

“I’ve been super-impressed – George has performed in line with my expectations. For me, he’s a brilliant all-round package.

“He has speed, he has excellent communication skills. He’s a modern version of a top professional racing driver. I thought that before the season started and I’ve seen nothing since to change my mind.”