Rosberg on Hamilton Russell Pairing at Mercedes F1 – “It Was a Difficult Decision for Toto, Because the Risk Is Quite High”

After Nico Rosberg’s retirement in December 2016, Mercedes managed to heave a sigh of relief. The 1-time world champion and his rival, Lewis Hamilton, were too much to handle for the entire team.

The Brackley outfit had to bring in team orders to control the on-track madness that was happening, not once but way too often. However, even the generally effective team orders couldn’t keep the duo away from each other at one point. Hence, all Mercedes could do was hope from thereon.

And well, their hopes played out well by the end of the 2016 season when Rosberg walked out of F1. What’s more, in exchange for Rosberg, the team pulled in a rather calm Valtteri Bottas, who eventually was given the role of a wingman for Hamilton. Consequently, what followed was a peaceful 5 years for Mercedes.

But, could they end up tripping back to square one amidst the latest recruit?

Rosberg fears a repeat of 2016 for Mercedes

As reported by Planet F1, Rosberg opined that Mercedes could well find themselves under immense pressure again amid the signing of George Russell. The young Briton had been in incredible form throughout the 2021 season.

Hence, if he could carry that level of performance into 2022 and challenge Hamilton, Mercedes are in for an intense 2022 F1 season because the 7-time world champion isn’t going to give up that easy especially after a season where he lost to another young driver, Max Verstappen.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares to drive on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

“It was a difficult decision for Toto, because the risk is quite high. If George is really on exactly the same pace as Lewis, it could become really intense in the team,” he said.

“There are a lot of unknowns there, is George always going to back out, or is he going to get his elbows out? That’s just going to be so great to watch.”

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Bahrain set to decide the lead driver?

On paper, there is no denying that Hamilton will be leading the team going into the 2022 season. But, when it comes to performance, Russell is no stranger either and is very well capable of leading as the number 1 driver; His commendable role at Williams proves it too. So, will Bahrain reveal the verdict? Very likely.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – Second place qualifier George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes GP looks on in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Hamilton will be wary of Russell at the season-opener, considering the latter’s one-off show at Sakhir GP last season. The Briton almost won his first race as a Mercedes driver even before he officially became one.

Hence, could Russell pull off a similar race to take control of the championship against Hamilton? Meanwhile, is Toto Wolff going to have his hands full yet again? Only time will tell.

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