According to a Sky F1 analyst, Hamilton and Russell’s dynamic may be changing.

Natalie Pinkham, a Sky F1 analyst, predicts a change in the dynamic between the Mercedes teammates and suggests George Russell may try to make a statement.

Both Russell and teammate Lewis Hamilton had their contracts extended through the end of 2025, it was revealed prior to the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

There have been rumors that Russell is eager to establish himself as a formidable rival alongside his seven-time world champion teammate, given the recent on-track tensions between the two Mercedes drivers.

Despite the recent conflict, Sky F1 Pundit Pinkham spoke on the F1 Nation Podcast about the two drivers’ relationship.

What’s intriguing, according to Pinkham, is the relationship between Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, and George Russell.
Okay, he’s no longer a rookie; he’s now more of a team member.

But because there will eventually be a change in leadership on that team, I find it to be very intriguing.
Of course, that error in Singapore, he said himself: “What am I, a rookie?” That was an error that felt [like] inexperience, it didn’t feel like a mistake that Lewis would make.

“I believe that George is eager to assert himself right now; he wants to forget Singapore and assert that he is capable of leading a team.
He can, without a doubt; he’s just not quite at Lewis’ level yet.
However, there will eventually be a transfer of responsibility, if you will.
“.

Teammates at Mercedes.

Russell performed better than his British teammate during the 2022 Formula One season, finishing P4 in the drivers’ standings, ahead of Hamilton in P6.

Russell, however, has lacked Hamilton’s experience this season and is currently 75 points behind him in the championship.

After the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, when both drivers were focusing more on their individual positions than team strategies, rumors about tension between the teammates first started to circulate.

Russell, however, has previously stated that there is no rivalry and that the two Mercedes drivers’ relationship has a positive dynamic.

To Autohebdo, Russell declared, “We have a very open relationship with Lewis.”.
“I believe that it has to do with the fact that we are at various stages of our careers.
We greatly value each other’s respect.

“Team dynamics can become complicated when you have a teammate who is from the same generation and is at a similar level.
When there is a definite leader in a relationship, or when both drivers are at different stages of their careers, like Lewis and I are, the relationship is better.
“.

“We only battle for the best position; we don’t fight for position.
The team’s top spot is not something you compete for.
This team, here, holds my future.
That much I am aware of.
Thus, there is no rivalry.
I’m not here to battle my teammate; I’m here to win.
“.

Pinkham came to the conclusion that Russell does not view his more seasoned teammate as a threat and instead views him as the ideal successor.

He isn’t intimidated by playing on a team with a multiple world champion, she continued.
Many checkboxes are checked by that.
Like Charles [Leclerc], who will turn himself off and talk to himself, he is cool-headed, mature, and ready to be critical of himself as well.

He criticizes himself for [Singapore], but he has also grown from the experience.
There’s no denying that he is still a work in progress.
I’m unsure of how long that timeline will be for him.
Though he undoubtedly has a successful career ahead of him, I suppose it will be when Lewis eventually retires that he will take over for the team.
“.

Russell will have to wait a little while longer to take over as team captain, even though it’s unclear whether he’ll end up being a suitable replacement for Hamilton.