There was no risk of blackout, and so the whole world could see how the record Formula 1 world champion stood lost in the large gravel bed after the starting curve of the Loisal International Circuit, next to his damaged Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton stood there for a while, struggling to compose himself, and the photographers’ telephoto lenses were able to capture a highly symbolic image: Hamilton with his head hanging, behind him George Russell in the other car of the German-British racing team elegantly passing by. Russell, the teammate, Russell, the opponent in the accident at the beginning of the Qatar Grand Prix, Russell, the new big adversary in his own racing team, who was aimed at Hamilton for almost a decade. It was clear that there would have to be trouble at some point.
Netflix’s storytellers already knew why they called their docuseries “Drive to Survive.” The internal dispute at Mercedes fits the title and scheme perfectly, and can also be exaggerated into a generational conflict. Two unlikely racing drivers in a British-British duel, both extremely talented, similarly dogged, equally assertive and concerned about their image. Let’s see what’s left of it if the crash course continues like this.
Already in Suzuka, at the penultimate race, they tried to push each other off the track. With mutual complaints to the command center and the demand to be waved past colleagues with a stable order. Russell complained strikingly with a leading question: “Who are we actually racing against here – against ourselves or against the others?” Finally, team boss Toto Wolff had to be called in from his hospital bed via an intercontinental line in order to ensure short-term calm.
This does not mean that there is always peace, as the recent clash in Qatar proves. A basic rule in the Formula 1 team sport is to avoid accidents with your teammate under all circumstances. But when both Mercedes drivers saw the unique opportunity to push Max Verstappen out of the lead on Sunday, their composure was over. Russell, who had started from second position, approached the Red Bull drivers on the inside on the middle path, Hamilton had passed everyone on the outside from third position and, level with the leader, was almost over. At least until the asphalt curved to the right. Hamilton gave in, but there was Russell, trapped in a sandwich. Rumms, the intentions from the driver briefing collided with reality.
The War of the Roses between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg is unforgettable
Mercedes has been the benchmark for hostilities within a team in modern Formula 1 since Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg declared the War of the Roses and ensured in May 2016 in Barcelona that Verstappen secured his first victory in his first Grand Prix for Red Bull could – the two Silver Arrows had unceremoniously catapulted each other out of the game. The incident threatened to split the entire racing team at the time.
Wolff knows exactly what will happen to him if he doesn’t get his two pilots under control. Both have a contract until the end of 2025. The idea was that one would drive the other and that experience and youth complement each other to create a balanced, strong driver pairing. Unlike his predecessor Valtteri Bottas, however, Russell is not a so-called wingman who provides protective escort for the record world champion. The 25-year-old, who won for the first time last November, is largely on an equal footing. Hamilton still tends to get along a little better with the moody W 14 company car. With a car that is difficult to calculate and set up, the chauffeurs often go overboard. And if even the slightest chance arises – it will happen.
Open detailed view
The two of them have mastered the PR game: George Russell (left) and Lewis Hamilton usually don’t have much to say to each other.
(Photo: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters)
Hamilton was visibly trying to de-escalate, he took the accident “one hundred percent” and apologized directly to the entire team for having prevented two possible podium finishes through his arrogance. The memory of Rosberg has not yet faded, the 36-year-old also hastened to assure: “I have no problem with George, we have a great relationship.” The demonstrative hug between the two after the race was intended to underline this, and the corresponding clip then reached a large audience on social media. Textbook crisis PR was needed. Russell also confirmed bravely after the race: “We get along well, have great respect for each other, and there was no intention behind it on either side.” After turn one the lament sounded completely different, and again Wolff had to chime in from a distance.
The next round of talk therapy will take place behind closed doors. Will the result of the arbitration be recorded in writing again, as with the racing code in the Rosberg vs. Hamilton matter? Mercedes already has a general declaration of intent to serve the team; everyone in the team has signed it. The test for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will only come when Mercedes is in contention for the title again. As long as both of them will keep going at it from time to time.
