“Cold War” Breaks Out at Mercedes: George Russell “Stabs” Lewis Hamilton in the Back

Tensions are boiling over at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, with reports suggesting a brewing “cold war” between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. The relationship between the veteran seven-time world champion and his younger teammate appears to have reached breaking point following a series of incidents that insiders claim have created a rift within the team.

The Alleged Betrayal

According to sources close to the paddock, the conflict came to a head during the latter part of the season when George Russell allegedly undermined Hamilton in team strategy meetings. Russell is said to have lobbied the team to prioritize his race strategy over Hamilton’s in crucial moments, a move some describe as a “stab in the back” to his illustrious teammate.
Hamilton reportedly felt blindsided, particularly after having publicly supported Russell as a rising star when he joined the team in 2022. A source revealed:
“Lewis has always tried to be a mentor to George, but this season’s dynamic has completely shifted. George sees himself as the future of Mercedes and isn’t afraid to step on toes to establish dominance.”

On-Track Flashpoints

The tension between the two drivers has been evident on the track, with several heated exchanges during races. Notable incidents include a near-collision during a pit-lane exit in Monaco and aggressive wheel-to-wheel battles in Spain that left team bosses furious.
In the aftermath of one such clash, Hamilton hinted at the strained relationship, saying, “I’ve always been about teamwork, but it’s clear not everyone shares that mindset.”
Russell, for his part, has remained unapologetic, stating, “We’re here to race, not to hold hands. I respect Lewis, but I’m not here to be anyone’s number two.”

Mercedes Struggles Amid Infighting

The discord comes at a time when Mercedes is already grappling with a subpar car and struggling to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. Insiders fear that the rivalry between Hamilton and Russell could derail any hopes of a resurgence.
Team principal Toto Wolff is reportedly working overtime to mediate, stating, “We cannot afford internal battles when we have external ones to fight. Both drivers need to put the team first.”

What’s Next for Mercedes?

As the season winds down, the question remains: can Mercedes repair the fractured relationship between its drivers? Or will this cold war escalate, forcing the team to choose sides?