Hamilton has come around to Mercedes' point of view regarding next year's teammate?

Hamilton has come around to Mercedes' point of view regarding next years teammate?
28 August 2021 by    2 min read
 23

Aug.28 - Lewis Hamilton has come around to the "team's point of view" regarding the identity of his teammate for 2022.

That is the claim of Toto Wolff, after both Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas revealed that the seven time world champion would prefer if Mercedes' driver lineup is unchanged.

However, rumours are now beginning to morph into fact that Mercedes junior George Russell will definitely be racing alongside Hamilton next year.

Indeed, Williams boss Jost Capito sounds resigned to promoting Nicholas Latifi to the driving leadership role currently occupied by Russell, 23.

"I am confident that by the end of the season he will be ready to become the leader of our team next year," he said.

"He has learned a lot from working with George and they have a great relationship. He has contributed a lot to us."

The 'Russell to Mercedes' rumour is also reaching every other corner of the Formula 1 paddock, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc happy his friend and rival is on the rise.

"It's great if George gets that seat because he definitely deserves that spot," he said. "I think it would be great to see such a talented driver in that seat."

Team boss Wolff admits that despite being essentially a contractor to the team, Hamilton's status does mean his preference about keeping Bottas as his teammate is respected.

However, the Austrian added: "We have discussed it with him and he no longer assesses the situation from a driver's point of view.

"From a driver's point of view, we know what he wants. Now Lewis sees the situation from the team's point of view as well," Wolff added.

And the 'team's point of view' seems to be a recognition of the need for a generational change.

"There is already a generation change taking place, as every other top team has one of these promising kids under contract," Wolff is quoted by Speed Week.

"The argument that we need to look to the future is reasonable."

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23 F1 Fan comments on “Hamilton has come around to Mercedes' point of view regarding next year's teammate?”

    • madra mor

      100% behind your comment.there are no excuses for being beaten by your team mate.he has had the fastest car for years .and running out of excuses for this season your future is in growing your own
      organic vegetables

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  2. shroppyfly

    Toto Wolff has confirmed the decision about which of Valtteri Bottas and George Russell will drive for Mercedes next year has been made.

    But the World Champions’ team principal is not yet in a position to publicly reveal which of the duo it will be.

    So it must be GR and they aren't making it public till VB has a seat somewhere, because if it had been VB theyd announce it as GR would be staying at williams yes?
    Surely that's the logical conclusion from Toto saying the decisions been made or?

    If im right no wonder LH looks a bit down..!!

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    • ReallyOldRacer

      Shrop, not likely but it could be vice versa. If it's RUS, why not say so? Seems to me it's logical to announce Georgie Boy and let the bidding begin for BOT in public. Truth is he doesn't have that many options. A straight swap is still the most likely. It might be, as usual, all about the money and engine deal.

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  4. shroppyfly

    hows this for left field, they're not announcing it, because there's the chance LH might retire and need VB to step in if that happens, having been caught out with Rosbergs shock departure ...I mean VB not going to say to no hanging on/stepping back in is he , , even if it doesn't happen hell get a williams drive
    Weird too crazey , well im pretty sure Toto was freaked when NR announced he was quitting

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    • ReallyOldRacer

      Left field, but still in the park. That 8/100 goal still might be the lynchpin. Regardless of our opinion of the knight, he does have many interests outside racing.

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  5. shroppyfly

    either or, whichever/whatever it all makes for a better season than weve had in a while Honda must be congratulated as must Emilian Verstappen , without them it would be a snore fest again, and none of us want that .

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  6. Brendan

    I must take great mental strength to resist the constant snipping and mindless nonsense from such a small but sadly vociferous but of trolls.

    Is it just a British national shoulder chip that manifests itself in the desire to topple our heroes even when we helped to make them.

    I hope that LH, and tomorrow’s heroes will head Kipling’s words on the subject. IF so, they will be the better for it whilst the blah, blahs will remain hot air generators.

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    • shroppyfly

      "We" who is this we, you talk of, ohhh you mean Mercedes , get over yourself please, 9 engine championships in 13yrs yrs, not exactly British , just saying

    • ReallyOldRacer

      Brendan, ripping our heroes is not British, it is a whole of humanity trait. Thank you though for injecting a bit of style by referencing Kipling. Ah yes, 'The Man Who Would Be King'. Remind you of anyone???

      • Brendan

        Maybe! Though I still believe that we English have raised Icon Smashing to an art form.

        Re Mr Kipling, perhaps Kimi is a more appropriate
        Candidate for “If” (Doubtless some will think it’s all a piece of cake.)
        I’ll stop now before it gets so convoluted that I disappear up my fundament.

        Can’t wait for the Ch4 Highlights at 1800. No spoilers please.

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      • Brendan

        Ha!

        Giving you the benefit of the doubt as to your question being:
        A. Non- rhetorical
        B. Serious
        C. Referring to British formula one drivers

        Then yes; within the context in which the word hero has been used here above, Hamilton is current leading British F1 hero.
        However, it is great see two young British drivers vying for the laurels. Was there ever a time, at least since the late 1950s,/‘60s when Britain looked so strong in the sport. (Rhet.)


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