Hamilton’s measure ‘wrongly questioned’ as Wolff addresses Russell clash fears

01/25/2022

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has quashed speculation that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will feud with new teammate George Russell in 2022.

Wolff believes the ‘measure’ of Hamilton is assumed and has been ‘wrongly questioned’ following the 2021 championship finale.

The legendary driver is set to race alongside Russell, who considers Hamilton an idol of his, when the 23-year-old represents the Silver Arrows in 2022..

The Brit is replacing Valtteri Bottas at the eight-time Constructors’ Championship winners, with the Finn moving to Alfa Romeo. It is widely expected that the 23-year-old will push Hamilton on the track as Mercedes look to recover from a controversial 2021 finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Red Bull star Max Verstappen secured a maiden world title in dramatic and controversial circumstances at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after he and title rival Hamilton went into the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit tied on points.

The Dutchman passed the seven-time world champion – who had dominated for much of the race – on the final lap of the season as a late Safety Car and tyre change swung momentum in his favour.

Mercedes’ fury was largely aimed at FIA race director Michael Masi after he decided to not allow cars to unlap themselves, as is tradition, only to change his mind to set up the final lap showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen. Mercedes withdrew their appeal against the result after the FIA pledged an investigation into the events surrounding the Safety Car procedures.

Should Hamilton return to Formula 1 as expected, he has clashed with several big name teammates across his career. He famously feuded with Fernando Alonso at McLaren in 2007 and battled with friend-turned-foe Nico Rosberg during a turbulent three years for Mercedes, culminating in the German’s epic 2016 title win.

Such history has led to speculation that Hamilton will endure a similar relationship with the exuberant Russell when they face one another as teammates thus year – but Wolff does not believe such concerns are fair on Hamilton’s personality.

“I would wish that we had two lightning-fast drivers fighting for victory,” Wolff told Auto Motor und Sport when asked about what he expects from his new pairing. “And if not, then we need these drivers to get our car back on the winning track.

“The measure of Lewis is often wrongly questioned. Even after the events in Abu Dhabi, he immediately congratulated Max [Verstappen].

“Lewis only wants one thing: fair competition on the track. We will deliver that.”

Hamilton’s future in the F1 is currently uncertain following the drama that unfolded at the Yas Marina Circuit. The 37-year-old was coy over his future in the aftermath of Verstappen’s title win, and he is yet to post on social media after Wolff admitted the Brit was left ‘disillusioned’ with the sport.

An FIA investigation has since been launched amid the uncertainty surrounding Hamilton, and Mercedes are set to unveil their new car for the 2022 season on 18 February. However, it is likely that Hamilton opt to see out the remainder of his two-year contract, which is valued in the region of £70million.

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