Sir Lewis Hamilton has endured a monumentally challenging start to 2022, after having to deal with a underperforming car and an ultra-competitive team-mate.
The seven-time World Champion has seen himself well off the leading pace so far this season, due to the W13 being a highly problematic car.
Whilst Hamilton has struggled to get the best out of Mercedes’ 2022 car, George Russell has fared considerably better.
The young Brit has finished every race so far this season in the top five; the only driver to do so.
As a result, Russell sits 34-points ahead of his vastly more experienced team-mate ahead of the British Grand Prix.
The former Williams driver currently sits fourth in the Drivers’ standings, whilst the 37-year-old languishes down in sixth.
However, the recent Canadian Grand Prix saw Hamilton performing at a much higher level, where he claimed his first podium since the season opener.
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The British driver has also been considerably more upbeat as of late, urging the Mercedes F1 Team to solve their issues and reclaim the number one spot.
Whilst the championship this season is realistically out of reach, Hamilton does still have 2023 to claim an unprecedented eighth title.
With this in mind, Hamilton’s future has started to become a talking point in the paddock.
The Mercedes driver’s current contract expires at the end of next year, leaving people to wonder if he will re-sign for 2024.
This very question was put to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who was quick to hush any rumours.
“Are we starting talking 2024 contracts? In June 2022?” Wolff questioned.
“No, we are in a happy place with Lewis, and there is no doubt that we are embarking on the season and the next one in a good place,” insisted the Mercedes boss.
“But it’s too early to discuss 2024. Having said that, I couldn’t wish for a better driver pairing.
“I can say that within the team, [Hamilton] was always very positive in his mindset. How the two work together [Hamilton and Russell] is really astonishing; in the briefings, they keep asking each other questions.
“I guess it’s going to be different if you race at the very front,” Wolff concluded.
After eight-years of Constructors’ domination, the Silver Arrows currently find themselves as the third fastest team on the grid.
It means Hamilton is fighting not necessarily for victories on a weekly basis, but instead for top fives.
Whether this is something Hamilton is content with remains to be seen, as the Brit comes towards the end of his illustrious Formula 1 career.