Williams boss Jost Capito says Lewis Hamilton's eventual retirement from F1 would not be good for George Russell as his former driver would be deprived of an opportunity to beat the sport's biggest star.
The uncertainty continues to linger regarding Hamilton's near-term future, with the seven-time world champion remaining silent and out of the public eye.
However, few believe the 37-year-old, who is contracted to Mercedes until the end of 2023, won't be on the grid this year.
And Capito views the speculation surrounding Hamilton's future as "totally irrelevant", and even sees a silver lining for F1 if the Briton calls it a day.
©Instagram/LewisHamilton
"I don't care about it – I don't really care whether he drives or not," Capito told German broadcaster n-tv. "Totally irrelevant, really totally irrelevant.
"They always say there are not enough places for young drivers and then I think, if someone has been World Champion seven times, he has actually done enough and could make room for a youngster, why not?".
Nevertheless, Capito hopes that Hamilton will return this year, if only for Russell's benefit.
"For me, it would be bad for George [should Hamilton retire]," Capito said.
"Because then he wouldn't be able to beat him, and I think he would like to beat him. I wouldn't envy George in that case."
The Williams chief executive says his former young apprentice is now a "polished" talent with more potential to unleash.
"[He is] no longer a rough diamond, but already a partially polished diamond," Capito added.
"[He is] a bit away from the potential he can have, [so] he can certainly develop and improve again at Mercedes."
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