DC: GEORGE’S ON TRACK WITH MERCEDES

GEORGE RUSSELL is showing he’s got what it takes to take Formula 1 by storm – now he needs the car.

Finishes of fourth and fifth in Bahrain and Jeddah respectively have not set the world alight, but David Coulthard believes that new Mercedes racer Russell, 24, is doing enough to justify both the expectation and the hype.

Coulthard (inset) said: “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.

“But the honeymoon period where 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 that 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.”

Scot Coulthard says that the emergence of Russell (right) and fellow Brit Lando Norris, 22, at McLaren has given the sport the jolt it needs.

He added: “There have been periods where it’s a bit staid – but you cannot say that about Formula 1 at the moment – and a lot of that is down to the excitement those two are generating.” » David Coulthard will be presenting F1 highlights of the Australian Grand Prix from 3.05pm on Channel 4, which is preceded by live coverage of Formula E from Rome at 1.30pm