Mercedes could have an intra-team rivalry on their hands in 2023 with Lewis Hamilton set to "hit back" at George Russell, it has been suggested.
This year did not produce the opportunities that either of the Silver Arrows' racers wanted. For the most part they were unable to compete for race wins, though the one exception was in Brazil when they secured an impressive one-two finish.
Russell was the man who got the victory, while Hamilton lost his streak of winning at least one race in every season of his Formula 1 career. And there was a similar story in the standings overall, with the Mercedes debutant upsetting the balance of power.
Russell finished 35 points ahead of Hamilton, fourth in the standings with the seven-time world champion two places behind. According to Sky Germany presenter Sascha Roos, Hamilton will give everything to not let it happen again in 2023.
"I think Hamilton will hit back this year, but I am not sure if he will also be the clear number one," he said. "I'm pretty sure they will start on equal footing next season and that Mercedes will decide after a few races who they will build on.
"When Valtteri Bottas joined, Hamilton was the obvious number one. But Russell is not Bottas – Russell is more likely to claim the same status as [Nico] Rosberg." The latter was the last team-mate to beat Hamilton, snatching the 2016 title before retiring from racing while on top.
Roos' answers were in response to a rather bold hypothesis that "if Russell beats Hamilton within the team – after the season, the record champion will retire". For that to happen, Hamilton would have to backtrack on what he has recently been saying about his future.
His current contract expires at the end of next season, but he has made it clear he wants to sign an extension and team boss Toto Wolff reiterated this week that talks on that subject will take place this winter.
The Austrian said : "There's no firm deadline. Absolutely, Lewis is part of the team and the team is part of Lewis. [There is] no reason to [for that to] not continue. I think one of his strengths is that he's always hungry, always eager. He's a great sportsman but he's also someone who is extremely driven and determined."
