“No Shades of 2016”: On Seeing Lewis Hamilton & George Russell’s Hair Moment, Toto Wolff Reminisces Old Wounds of Mercedes Past

Did the Spanish Grand Prix show signs of what’s to come – a Mercedes teammates rivalry? After misjudging the 2022 regulations, Mercedes has fallen from supremacy. Since then – without a winning car – the Brackley-based team went into damage control mode. However, with upgrades providing a car they dreamed of, Mercedes has finally jolted from slumber in the Spanish Grand Prix. On race day, while Lewis Hamilton emerged as Max Verstappen’s nearest challenger in P2, George Russell put on a scintillating performance as he weaved his way to a third-place finish from a lowly 12th on the grid. After Brazil 2022, it is Mercedes’ first double-podium finish. Does this mean Mercedes is back to its winning ways? If yes, wouldn’t that change the Hamilton-Russell teammate dynamic?

Although the upgrades worked, they were no ‘silver bullet’. However, they’re closer than ever to fighting for the championship again. That means, soon the Mercedes duo might fight amongst themselves for points, given how we’ve already seen flashbacks of 2016 in the Spanish GP qualifying. In the closing moments of Q2, the two Brits made contact, as Hamilton was trying to overtake the young Briton. Although Russell had the inside line, he did not leave enough track for Hamilton, resulting in the collision. 

However, both seemed unaware that the other was looking to launch a flying lap. Because when Hamilton immediately fumed over the team radio saying, “George just backed off. That’s really dangerous. I might have some damage on the car.” Russell, seemingly unaware of Hamilton behind him, responded saying, “You didn’t tell me there was a car behind,” before adding, “Yeah, sorry guys, I don’t know what the hell went on in the session.”

Many F1 enthusiasts saw flashbacks of Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg’s intense teammate rivalry when the British duo came together. But Mercedes and the team principal shrugged it off saying it was merely a ‘misunderstanding’. And the German journalist of MotorsportMagazin.com Christian Menath agrees with Wolff. Speaking on the F1 nation podcast, Menath said: “Toto was asked yesterday after qualifying: ‘if it reminded him of 2016 Rosberg vs Hamilton’. But he said: ‘No, no shades of 2016’. And I fully agree with Toto. So, there was nothing between the teammates. It was just miscommunication. 

Explaining why it’s a coincidence, he further added, “There was a coincidence because George had to abort his first lap. Then they were somehow synced in their laps- Lewis and George. It shouldn’t have been the case. Then Carlos came from behind – George had to let him pass- he was very slow. Lewis already started his lap when George started his lap a little bit later, so there was just a coincidence, miscommunication. But in my opinion, nothing that says something about the relationship between two drivers. It was bad luck and miscommunication. But not worth it to make up a huge story between Lewis and George.”

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However, an Ex-F1 analyzed the coming together, and declared it as more than a ‘misunderstanding’

“Closed the door”: George Russell’s move is more than a ‘misunderstanding’ 

With Mercedes bringing upgrades to the narrow streets of Monte Carlo- ultimately a place not ideal for testing- uncertainty mongered in the future of the team. However, coming into the Spanish GP weekend, the upgrades worked so beautifully, especially for Hamilton. The 33-year-old seemed far more comfortable and faster than Russell in the qualifying. But the collision cost Hamilton a potential place on the front row as it damaged his front wing. Although, post-race, both the drivers understood the situation and agreed on the misunderstanding as the cause of contact, Ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher disagrees. 

Explaining his analysis of the clash, Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland: “George didn’t want to give Lewis a slip and closed the door for him. This is my analysis. The young challenger wants to take the place of the pack leader. And they don’t get along very well in private either” [translated via Google]

Watch this story: Watch: Nico Rosberg’s Embarrassing Moment Facing Off Lewis Hamilton at the 2023 Spanish GP 

Mercedes’ double podium in Spain saw them jump into the Constructors Championship to move into second place with 152 points – 135 points behind leader Red Bull.