Mercedes chief Wolff has already made stance on Hamilton vs Russell fight clear

18 May 2023 , 05:00

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People are divided over who is top dog at Mercedes (Image: HOCH ZWEI/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

The balance of power between Lewis Hamilton and team-mate George Russell has become a talking point again in recent days and weeks.

For all their car performance struggles, there has been little doubt cast over the Mercedes driver pairing. In Hamilton, they have a seven-time world champion hungry to add to that total, while Russell is one of the brightest young talents on the grid and probably a future title-winner.

While the fact the Silver Arrows weren't in the title race needs to be taken into account, that Russell beat his more experienced team-mate in 2022 was impressive. And it sent a message that he isn't just there to play second fiddle to Hamilton.

As for who is the top dog in the Mercedes garage, opinion remains divided. Some feel Russell has more to prove, while others have suggested it is time for Hamilton to step aside and make room for the next generation. But, last year, team boss Toto Wolff made it clear he is not interested in such chatter.

"I hardly follow it," said the Austrian. "And if I overhear one or the other comment, I can only smile about it. George is doing a good job, but that's exactly what we expected from him, that's why he's at Mercedes. I don't notice anything about it on the team. These are background noises played through the press. Lewis and George push each other."

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Among those to have given their views on the subject recently was former team owner Eddie Jordan. He believes the time is right for Hamilton, 38, to walk away from the team to embark on one last new chapter in his Formula 1 career.

Toto Wolff insists he doesn't listen to the chatter (Lynne Sladky/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

"My only concern is that Lewis has to find something else in his mojo now and he needs to get out of there," he said on his podcast with David Coulthard. "He needs to move on, just like he did with McLaren. Get out of Mercedes, Lewis! It's time you reinvented yourself somewhere else."

Meanwhile, Coulthard holds a different opinion and believes Hamilton has plenty more to give. "You have two drivers at different phases of their careers. The mighty Lewis is still in there, it just won't really show itself until the Mercedes is as mighty as it once was," said the Scot.

"George is doing a brilliant job, [he is an] absolute asset for the team. That's not to say Lewis isn't doing a brilliant job, it just means that the car isn't talking to him right now and when it does, expect him to be showing George why he won seven world championships."

Daniel Moxon