Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff believes the team are in a better position to manage the dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, having learned some lessons from Hamilton's fiery battle with Nico Rosberg back in 2016. Rosberg became the World Champion that year, beating Hamilton by just five points, however the relationship between the two teammates became strained. Volatile confrontations on and off the track resulted in a tense atmosphere within Mercedes, but Wolff reckons the lessons learned then will help the team when Russell enters the fold next season. "I believe that we as a team can now manage this much better than perhaps back then [2016], when we slipped into the unknown," Wolff told Motorsport-Total.com . "The dynamic between George and Lewis will be completely different. "You have the wizard and the sorcerer's apprentice, and I think this division of roles is clear to both of them." Wolff was sure to clarify that while both Hamilton and Russell will be allowed to compete against one another on track, he expects the team's best interests to take precedent. He added: "We have always allowed the duel and the competition between the drivers. We assume that George will improve and show speed, but at the same time we expect the team to perform well. "When things get rough, I have to make sure that I smoothen the road."
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