Every Formula 1 world champion needs a championship-winning car. Without a car not capable enough to get the race wins, it’s near impossible for a driver to secure a championship despite their qualities. However, with a championship-winning car, every driver must ward off challenges from the person across the garage. This is what Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are known for.

Every driver on the grid is a challenger, especially one’s teammate. So winning a championship mostly comes down to doing better than your teammate. This is exactly why we often see disputes within a team and among teammates. Warding off your teammate in equal machinery becomes the focal point of most championship seasons, and both Hamilton and Verstappen are excellent at that.

In his entire Formula 1 career, Hamilton has only lost to Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button. Verstappen has experienced the same with only Daniel Ricciardo. Talking on the same theme, F1 journalist Jean Alesi, tells how difficult it is for their partners.

“When you are dealing with a driver who is so adept at managing the peak of his performance, the life of a teammate becomes very difficult. I think of Perez, of course; I think of Russell compared to Hamilton,” writes Alesi in his column. (Translated by Google)

He mentions how George Russell started the season brilliantly with a struggling W13. However, Hamilton has showcased his everlasting talent behind the wheel since improvements. He added, “Even a talented kid can struggle against an older but experienced and upright champion.”

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This is a tale as old as time as Hamilton showcased in his debut season.

Lewis Hamilton is set to extend his contract with no respite for George Russell

The prospect of being Hamilton’s, and even Verstappen’s teammate, is a daunting one. The two are extremely competitive and their teammates usually feel the brunt of that spirit. However, Russell is excited at the prospect of driving alongside Hamilton beyond 2023.

“It’s really exciting to have that potential of Lewis staying on for a number of years to come,” Russell told the media.

It won’t be surprising if the excitement turns to frustration as they race together. However, let’s hope the two can maintain a healthy relationship and bring success to the team despite the disappointing season.

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