Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says it would be unfair to use George Russell as leverage against Lewis Hamilton in upcoming contract talks.
Last weekend at the Sakhir Grand Prix, the Williams driver made a very strong case for a future full-time seat at Mercedes, outperforming Valtteri Bottas and appearing well on course for victory, before a tyre mix-up at his second pit-stop and a later puncture ended his chances.
For some, however, Russell's performance was a clear indication that Hamilton's success in Formula 1 is due to the car rather than the driver.
But Wolff quickly rejected that thought, highlighting the role the seven-time champion has had in Mercedes' achievements.
“I think Lewis Hamilton wins so much and has many titles because he's the best driver in the best car at the moment,” said the Austrian.
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“We are very humble about it because it's not a given that we provide him with the best car.
"And that's why we have a positive influence when the car works well to be part of his success, and we have a negative influence when our car doesn't work.
“So it's never a driver that makes all the difference and it's never the car that makes all the difference, it's the combination of the two. Lewis is still the benchmark, he's the best driver out there.
“He has proven that with his multiple records, and we mustn't be carried away at this stage by a phenomenal drive from a new kid who has a bright future in F1. Lewis is still the benchmark.”
Even so, knowing that a driver with the quality of Russell is ready to step up when needed, it has created an interesting twist regarding Hamilton's future.
Currently, the 35-year-old is not signed at Mercedes beyond this year and, with Lewis' high salary demands, some have wondered if Wolff could use George to negotiate a lower price.
“They are two different things," Toto declared. "Lewis has been with the team eight years, we have had great success in the past.
"He's a team member and I said it already before we cannot have the events this weekend interfere or change any of our negotiations
“I think that wouldn't be fair against him and it wouldn't be fair against us, because it could have gone the other way around if George wouldn't have been on pace.
“And I don't think that he would say, ‘hold on a minute now, this is an advantage for me.’ Our relationship goes much beyond that.”
