Mercedes went through some tough times when Hamilton and teammate Nico Rosberg drove side by side from 2013 to 2016.
In addition to a difficult relationship behind the scenes, Mercedes was confronted with an increasingly tense situation between the two drivers – especially since there were several collisions between them.
The team has been much better since Valtteri Bottas arrived in 2017 and Hamilton is hoping that Russell’s arrival to replace Alfa Romeo’s Bottas won’t see things get back to the way they were before were, given Rosberg’s suggestions, that relationships inside the team might be “heated” with Russell as his teammate.
When asked if it was possible for two riders of equal value to ever get along, Hamilton said, “I think history has shown that it can and history has shown that it cannot.
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“It’s different in every team, and that’s how it is ultimately handled. But it’s a pretty weird sport where it’s a team sport, but it’s also an individual sport. So you have these two championships.
“Individually, you want to be one step ahead, but at the same time you have to do the job to bring the team forward. So it’s difficult to find your way around.
“But I would like to think that we have experienced it and learned from it and should therefore be in a pretty good position.”
Although Hamilton is sad to see Bottas leave after noting at Spa that their working relationship was “better than ever,” the 36-year-old believes the arrival of Russell – 13 years younger than him – gives Mercedes a new dynamic will.
“Of course he’s part of this younger group and I think the young talent that comes through here is so great for the sport and is the future of the sport,” he said.
George Russell, Williams
Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images
“I think fresh blood will be great on our team, of course because I’m the old man there. I think that will definitely energize the whole team as I know that a new youngster is coming who is super hungry and motivated and who will bring the team forward. “
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Hamilton was also unsure that Russell would be a huge challenge for him as he was overqualified for the Belgian GP by the current Williams driver.
When asked if he looked at Russell’s strengths and weaknesses, Hamilton replied, “I saw George get through F3 and F2. Of course, I’ve watched a lot of his races and moves.
“There’s no doubt he’s incredibly talented, but I haven’t looked in detail where he’s weak. I don’t really spend a lot of energy on that.
“I just know that he will get even stronger in the next races. And next year it will definitely bring the heat again. “
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