Every few years, the Formula 1 paddock sees a transition when the veteran drivers are replaced by a younger generation. New drivers come in and challenge the old GOATs much like the cycle of life. Moreover, with the current season as proof, a similar scenario will soon unfold in the Mercedes garage with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Or will it?

According to former racer Jolyon Palmer, there’s still time for the top dog spot to change in the Mercedes garage. The British commentator expressed his opinion on the Hamilton Vs Russell in the current season.

Speaking on the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer shared his thoughts. When asked who will finish on top among the Mercedes men, he expressed his take on the battle.

“I imagine George will close it out. Just by sheer numbers now,” he said.”But I think that doesn’t really tell the picture of the Mercedes story.”

“I do think the more the season’s gone on, the more Lewis looks like Lewis again. Overall, George was doing a brilliant job of beating him. As the season’s gone on, I think Lewis has gone on top. I think if they do have a title-challenging car next year, I still think it would be Lewis that would be the man,” he concluded.

Read More: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell Given Huge Boost as Mercedes Drop Major 2023 Hints

The BBC journalist also claimed the performances at the start of the season had the whole F1 world “perplexed” with Russell doing better than Hamilton. However, Palmer thinks normal service resumed after one point in the season with Hamilton showcasing his usual brilliance self.

But if not next year, Hamilton still has a few years left in him.

Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff all but confirm the Brit’s Mercedes future

Hamilton’s contract expires at the end of the 2023 season. However, the Brit openly admitted, “feel like I’ve got plenty of fuel left in the tank,” brushing aside retirement rumors. Toto Wolff echoed those thoughts when asked about Hamilton’s future.

“Just last week we sat down and he says ‘look, I have another five years in me, how do you see that?'” Said Wolff in a conversation with David Coulthard.

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With a Lewis’ possible contract extension and hopefully better machinery than W13, will George Russell still outperform Hamilton in 2023?