Wolff: Russell is the future of Mercedes F1 team

Russell was always going to have to tread carefully as he settled into Team Hamilton after his Formula 1 'development phase' at Williams, bankrolled by Mercedes. Geroge was always the heir apparent and remains so despite incidents that stress harmony within the team.

From the outside, it seems, and deservedly so, that Hamilton is more entitled and esteemed not only as a seven-time F1 World Champion but also because he has been with the team for a decade and of course, at 38 years of age he is the elder statement of the sport.

Russell, on the other hand, is 25 years old and more than ready to be the number one driver, in the manner Hamilton was after Nico Rosberg's departure, and even during the time he was teammates with the German. Was there ever a time Lewis was not Mercedes' number-one driver?

He still remains that, purely on his status and no longer the speed difference he had over previous teammate Valtteri Bottas. Russell can match Hamilton on speed, but lacks the race craft as the score shows thus far in 2023 in races it's Hamilton 12-5 Russell, in qualifying it's Hamilton 8-9 Russell. Points are HAM third on 194, with Russell eighth on 132.

This begs the hypothetical question: What happens if next year Mercedes have a winning car for Lewis and George? They are teammates for another two years. Hamilton convinced no doubt that with the right car, he can be an eight-time F1 World Champ, has inked a deal to remain with the team until he is 40, and Russell is 27.

But with Fernando Alonso flying high at 42, Hamilton might be tempted to extend his deal into 2026 when the new rules kick in and see how things lie before he decides to quit. With a race-winning car obviously, he will remain, without one he will probably call it a day. But you never know.

So when does Russell get his time in the sun? Namely the number one treatment from Mercedes that is essential for a driver to have a shot at an F1 title.

After Hamilton for sure insists Wolff, who began by explaining to Gazzetta what held up confirming Hamilton beyond 2023: "There was a bit of delay but it was clear that it would end like this, with Lewis remaining with us.

"He and I are always very transparent in our relationships. Some time ago he told me: I saw John Elkann at dinner, but know that I'm not going anywhere. And when it was reported that there had been a conversation between him and Ferrari he warned me: Toto, I'm not carrying out any negotiations.

"But I understand the rumours that have arisen: the announced signing came after six months, but it was for reasons related only to marketing and sponsors. In my mind, there was never a millimetre of doubt.

"And then we also have George for another two seasons, who is the future of this team, who grew up in Mercedes, the next generation after Hamilton. We are happy," declared the Mercedes boss.