Hamilton hints at Mercedes swap after thrilling Russell battle.....

Hamilton hints at Mercedes swap after thrilling Russell battle…..read more

Lewis Hamilton has hinted at a potential switch in car specifications with teammate George Russell following their intense battle during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The race concluded with Hamilton finishing fourth and Russell in fifth, but not without a gripping contest that showcased both drivers’ skills.

During the race, Hamilton was equipped with a newer version of Mercedes’ upgrades, while Russell was on the older Silverstone spec. Russell’s car was compromised due to a crash in the previous race in the United States, which destroyed his set of new upgrades. This created a unique dynamic during their race, as both drivers fought for position, with Russell managing to fend off Hamilton for several laps before Hamilton finally overtook him at Turn 1 with just five laps to go.

After the race, Hamilton expressed that there could be a reassessment of which specifications each driver will use as they head to the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil. Team principal Toto Wolff suggested that Hamilton appeared more comfortable with the older parts, prompting discussions about a potential swap between the two drivers’ setups.

Hamilton noted, “It was always going to happen at some point. I think he had a problem with his wing, but we got a lot of information.” He emphasized the importance of data collection from their battle, saying that both drivers had valuable insights into their performance relative to each other. He added, “I could see where he was better than me, and package-wise, hopefully, the team has lots of data, so we will figure out who starts on what next week.”

Both drivers are well aware of the need for careful racing against each other, especially when it comes to maintaining the team’s interests. Hamilton remarked on the mutual respect between him and Russell, acknowledging each driver’s intelligence and skill in placing their cars effectively on the track. “I don’t think either of us is silly. George is pretty smart, so it was fair, and he is good at where he places his car, and so am I,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation during their race, especially when they were reminded over the radio to “keep it clean.” Hamilton responded, “Of course,” indicating that while they are competitors, the stakes are different when battling a teammate compared to other drivers. He stressed that they must exercise extra caution to avoid unnecessary risks that could jeopardize their positions or the team’s overall performance.

As they prepare for the Brazilian Grand Prix, the possibility of swapping their car specifications adds an intriguing element to their competitive dynamic. It will be interesting to see how this decision impacts their performance and strategies in the upcoming race, especially considering how close the competition is between them.

The ongoing rivalry and collaboration between Hamilton and Russell will certainly be a focal point for Mercedes as they aim to maximize their performance in the remaining races of the season. With both drivers eager to demonstrate their abilities, the São Paulo Grand Prix