Max Verstappen is running rampant in the current season with no signs of slowing down. This dominance over the rest of the field can be credited to Verstappen’s prowess in a single-seater but not without the sheer brilliance of the said single-seater. The RB19 is an incredible machinery and the team back in Milton Keynes did an outstanding job in 2022, rewards of which they will keep reaping before the 2026 regulatory changes. This is the general understanding of most F1 entities, including Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Carlos Sainz. However, according to the other Mercedes man George Russell, the future isn’t as bleak.

Hamilton has enjoyed his own era of dominance with Mercedes during the Hybrid era. However, the Brackley outfit was caught on their heels during the 2021 season. According to Russell, opposing his teammate’s views in an exclusive with Planet F1, history can repeat itself.

“I mean, when you look at the turn in form that Aston Martin had over last winter, the turn of form that McLaren has had, that definitely gives optimism that it can happen,” the hopeful Mercedes man pointed out.

“Obviously Red Bull are going to continue to improve, it’s going to be difficult for sure. But you know, we saw Red Bull catch Mercedes in the Mercedes era in 2021 and that was sort of unforeseen as well as 2020 from Mercedes was a really dominant year. Then in 2021, Red Bull starts with the quickest car,” he added.

Read More: George Russell Exposes Max Verstappen’s Hypocrisy With “Pathetic” Jibe as the Ugly Spat Refuses to Die Down

This positive and hopeful outlook from Russell is surely the way to go for anyone and everyone trying to end Verstappen’s dominance. However, the man who needs it the most doesn’t see it that way.

Lewis Hamilton paints a bleak picture for the sport until his contract runs out amid Max Verstappen’s dominance

The Brit narrowly lost out on his dream eight championship title for which he fought tooth and nail in 2021. However, moving forward from the heartbreak Hamilton vowed to fight for the title again. Has he been able to though? Not so far. Will he before his contract runs out? He doesn’t seem to think so! Speaking to the media, after Verstappen’s dominant displays and winning steak, Hamilton painted a bleak picture till 2025.

He said, “We shouldn’t have a chance to dominate for a large number of years. The battle for top positions should be closer. Unfortunately, however, Red Bull could seriously dominate in the next three seasons as well.”

Considering Hamilton enjoyed years of dominance in the sport, his statement is a bit high and mighty.

However, the Brit wants to end Verstappen’s dominance by hook or by crook and his statement showcases that. It will be interesting to see if Mercedes can reverse the roles and come on equal footing as Red Bull in the next couple of seasons.

WATCH THIS STORY | Lewis Hamilton remains unwavering in his determination to halt Max Verstappen’s dominance, despite enduring significant neglect from the FIA