The anticipated dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Mercedes next year is one of the major talking points ahead of the 2022 Formula 1 season; Damon Hill gives his view.

Mercedes will have an all-British driver lineup next year, with future star George Russell replacing Valtteri Bottas, after five years the Finn spent playing wingman and second fiddle to team ace Lewis Hamilton, and everyone is wondering how the young newcomer will act in his new team and around his highly decorated teammate.

The mere thought of having Russell alongside Hamilton at Mercedes inevitably brings back memories of McLaren in 2007, when then-rookie Hamilton joined the reigning F1 World Champion of the time Fernando Alonso. That partnership didn’t go well, and was short-lived with Alonso leaving the team after one year, as Hamilton challenged his status within McLaren.

Will Russell challenge Hamilton?

Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 World Champion, gave his view on this matter to Express Sport, stating that there is every chance Russell might want to “knock spots off” Hamilton, which might not be wise.

“I think it’s going to be great to watch,” Hill began. “I’m sure Lewis will be wanting to encourage George. I don’t see it going wrong.”

“I think Lewis recognises that his timespan is shorter in the sport than George’s so he will want to play his part in giving him a leg up – not that he needs one, probably.

Hill believes that a lot will be riding on Russell’s approach: “It’s down to George and how he approaches it, I think. You can go into these situations and think: ‘Right, that’s the enemy over there and I’m out to knock spots off them’.

“That might not be the wisest thing to do with Lewis, I don’t think,” he warned.

Nevertheless, the F1 driver-turned pundit is highly intrigued Mercedes’ 2022 driver lineup: “That’s something to really look forward to next year.

“I’ll be as excited as anyone to see what will happen,” he concluded.