Russell v Hamilton, Vasseur’s hill climb and other thrilling F1 plot lines for 2023

Last season, with the car woefully off the pace and both drivers grinding out results while bouncing about like pinballs, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell made companionable teammates. This year, with Mercedes intent on ultimately producing a more competitive ride capable of winning races, tension between the pair is likely to ratchet up. Russell had a superb debut for Mercedes in 2022, becoming only the third teammate to beat Hamilton over a season, and can expect to only be better this year. Nor is he intimidated or shy of fighting his corner against the seven-times champion as he proved in winning in Brazil last year. That said, Hamilton is motivated like never before, targeting an eighth title and more victories with the same fierce determination that has defined his career. Immovable object and unstoppable force, then. If there is to be a changing of the guard at Mercedes it will not be conducted lightly. Probably the most competitive and exciting driver pairing on the grid.

For the new Ferrari principal, Frédéric Vasseur, there will be no honeymoon period. The pressure, the demands, the expectations that come with the gig are immense, especially as Ferrari face equalling the longest run without a constructors’ title in their history, matching the 15 barren seasons between their successes of 1983 and 1999. The Frenchman is attempting to dance on the head of this motor racing pin. How he copes will be fascinating and most likely dramatic, although he would doubtless prefer it otherwise. Arriving after a season of technical, strategic and driver errors, his work is cut out and a feisty response is anticipated. Ferrari expect results, their fans demand results and Vasseur has nowhere to hide; watching him will be