Formula 1 | Wolff: “Hamilton-Russell relationship? We'll see when the stakes become important."

Mercedes' growth is there for all to see. The W13, after a terrible start, has managed to recover performance in recent weeks, also thanks to the problems of others, especially Ferrari. Hamilton and Russell had great difficulties, in certain situations they were already talking about 2023, while after the last races there was even talk of a stage victory, as well as a second place in the constructors' world championship well within reach, which was incredible until a couple of months ago.

“I believe that up to this moment the most fearsome opponent for George and Lewis has been the car, not their teammate or other drivers – said Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal Motorsport.com. This was certainly an advantage in some respects. They worked a lot, even more than they should on certain occasions with the aim of exchanging impressions and useful information to get out of the difficult situation experienced in the first part of the season."

“When the objectives become races and the championship I will be able to say whether the respect between George and Lewis will be a predominant factor. When the stakes are high I think it's natural to have a bit of tension, but if people respect and esteem each other it will never go beyond that."