The eight-time constructors let go of their designated number two driver in 2022. The Finnish driver, Valtteri Bottas, who acted as a safety net for Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes company, was disposed of in favor of a much younger and ‘alpha’ driver, George Russell. With a contract worth $8 million, the team signed the young Briton to safeguard their future in F1. However, the recent turmoil between the two racers has left the Brackley-based outfit with tied hands.

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton have both extended their contracts through to 2025. The two Britons are essentially equally important for Mercedes. One has helped etch their name in history books and Wikipedia articles by winning eight constructors’ titles, whereas the other driver promises them a golden future. The power dynamics at Mercedes are shifting and they are left hopelessly spectating.

George Russell is not here for the Bottas treatment

The Qatar Grand Prix was a ruthless affair for all the drivers, but more so for the Mercedes’. Right at the beginning of the race, going into turn 1, the seven-time world champion turned into his teammate. Russell, who was already sandwiched between Max Verstappen and Hamilton, had no space, causing a collision between the two silver arrows. This resulted in Hamilton spinning out into the gravel and retiring from the race. But Russell managed to find some grip and carry forward on a major recovery drive. With both drivers extending their contract through 2025, many are expecting a re-creation of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, including former Ferrari boss, Peter Windsor.

The waves of tension are blowing over Mercedes. Asking either Russell or Hamilton to step into the shoes of Bottas is an impossible task. Peter Winsdor, in his YouTube video, said, “The management has absolutely no control over them now.” The Mercedes team has been in a headlock by the two drivers in different races.

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During the Japanese Grand Prix, it was Russell’s plea that was ignored, causing him to drop to P7 by the end. But during the Singapore Grand Prix, it was Hamilton’s. Although Russell imploded in the last lap, making Hamilton a podium finisher.

The move to bring in a younger driver, although did look like the best way out, it is now causing significant losses to the team. George Russell has had a brilliant junior career. Therefore, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for him to slip into the role of the main driver. But with seven titles to his name, Hamilton wouldn’t let Russell cruise by him. “That of course is what Mercedes never considered, I guess when they hired George rather than keeping Valtteri Bottas,” said Windsor.

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He elaborated, “I just come back to my thing of… if you’ve got Lewis, you don’t actually need George. If you’ve got George, you don’t need Lewis. It’s an imbalanced team, always has been, always will be, and that is the problem with it.” 

The phenomenal career of Russell before Mercedes

George Russell started his racing career as an eight-year-old in karting. Right from the commencement, the British lad has looked promising. Skipping to his Formula 2 career, the 25-year-old sealed the driver’s title in 2018. He was then signed by Williams for 2019 alongside Robert Kubica, whom he out-qualified in all 21 Grand Prix’ of the season.

Although, he remained largely a back-field driver for the Williams, the fiery driver was unstoppable. In 2020, he was a stand-in for Hamilton and almost outperformed Valtteri Bottas if not for a botched pitstop. Going back to Williams in 2021, he got an opportunity to shine by scoring points and qualifying P2 for the Belgium Grand Prix.

Mercedes signed Russell in 2022, doing away with the Finnish driver. It was to step into the future with a strong footing. Now Russell is the last driver to win a Grand Prix for Mercedes. He outscored Hamilton, the star driver, by 35 points in 2022. He has an excellent track record, therefore, asking him to fall back isn’t ideally the best move.

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Both the drivers know how to win a championship. Losing either one would be an enormous setback for the Brackley outfit. The team is at a crossroads. Whether it’ll be the man with seven world titles or a young Briton who is potentially a championship-winning racer, Mercedes has no control.