The Dutch GP went as most expected. A lightning-fast Red Bull car finishing the race how it started, in first place. However, the story could’ve been completely different if it wasn’t for Mercedes’ error in judgment with Lewis Hamilton.

After a safety car incident brought on during the 55th lap of the race, the Mercedes men could’ve been running in 1-2. However, Hamilton was left out on medium tires and Russell’s request for soft tires was granted.

Max Verstappen also pitted for soft tires during the safety car period, which put him ahead of Russell. This put Hamilton in the lead but on medium tires and at a disadvantage, with Verstappen following.

Had Mercedes let Russell stay out on medium tires, the young brit could’ve defended long enough to give Hamilton some advantage. However, as we all know, the ‘what if’ scenario did not come to pass as a result of Mercedes’ own doing. The incident has become a topic of discussion and even former World Champion Nico Rosberg shared his two cents.

He said, “They made that decision with Lewis. Let’s take a risk and leave you out to have a chance to go for the win. I mean, George is not going to win definitely by pitting anyways, that’s clear because he drops behind Max.”

“So if you do take that decision, let’s take a risk to go for the win, then do it properly and leave George out there as well to block Max, to give Lewis an even better chance to win by quite some margin. That’s the thing I think went a little bit wrong!” he concluded.

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Rosberg perfectly points out how Mercedes botched the race.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell might slowly bring back an old Mercedes rivalry

The new partnership of the Mercedes men has been harmonious so far. However, the nature of the sport is cutthroat and Mercedes’s struggles could’ve had a big part to play in the civil relationship.

However, as soon as Mercedes challenges for race wins and the championship, it will be every man for himself. We saw a glimpse of that at the Dutch GP and if Mercedes can improve for the next season, we will see a lot more of that.

Even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes there will be fireworks between Hamilton and Russell.

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The incident at the Dutch GP has definitely left Hamilton sour as he walked past Russell without congratulating him. This could be the beginning of something ugly with history as proof, even though Mercedes wouldn’t want a repeat of extreme rivalry within the team.