Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has weighed in on the dynamics within the Mercedes team, suggesting that it remains “Lewis Hamilton’s team” despite George Russell’s aspirations to compete for regular race victories and championships. Hakkinen noted that Hamilton’s long tenure with Mercedes since 2013 and his established relationships with the team’s engineers and mechanics contribute to his central role within the team.

Speaking to the German newspaper Bild, Hakkinen explained: “Mercedes is at a crossroads. There is a bigger question mark over the team than there has been for a long time. After a decade of success, the past two seasons have left their mark on the management and staff. 

Hakkinen acknowledged that while Russell had an impressive maiden campaign with Mercedes, finishing ahead of Hamilton in the driver standings in 2022, the team dynamics are still heavily influenced by Hamilton’s experience and leadership. Hamilton’s third-place finish in the standings in 2022, compared to Russell’s eighth-place finish, is seen by Hakkinen as a reflection of Hamilton’s determination to prove himself and Russell’s pressure as the teammate to a seven-time world champion.

“And that’s a good thing! You have to be angry now. You have to develop that unconditional will to win again. The team has to become a team again and develop this blind understanding. That is currently missing.”

Hakkinen was then asked how this would happen, responding: “Even though George is entering his third season as a Mercedes driver, it’s clear that it’s Lewis’ team. 

“He’s been driving there since 2013 and has worked with many of the engineers and mechanics for years. It doesn’t take him ten minutes of analysis to explain the problem. In Formula 1, little things like this ultimately decide whether you’re on pole position or not.”

The former F1 champion emphasized that even though Russell is entering his third season with Mercedes, the team’s dynamics are currently tilted in favor of Hamilton. The pressure and scrutiny on Russell as a teammate to a record-breaking champion add an extra layer of challenge, as performances are often evaluated in the context of Hamilton’s achievements.

Hakkinen’s insights highlight the complexity of team dynamics in Formula 1 and the unique challenges faced by drivers like Russell, who aim to establish themselves within established teams alongside iconic figures like Lewis Hamilton.

Quizzed on whether or not Russell’s impressive maiden campaign for Mercedes changes the picture, Hakkinen hit back: “That’s true. But last season, Hamilton finished third and Russell only eighth. 

“That didn’t surprise me. On the one hand, Lewis wanted to show everyone after the twilight of the gods had already been spoken of, and on the other hand, George was and still is under immense pressure. 

“When you’re the team-mate of a seven-time world champion, all eyes are automatically on you. It doesn’t matter if you’ve finished on the podium if your team-mate has won. It’s the same for all teams – but George is racing against a record-breaking champion.”