F1 winner reveals BREAKING point in Hamilton's Mercedes relationship

Jonny Herbert has revealed when he thinks communication between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will break down ahead of the seven-time world champions' move to Ferrari.

The Brit secured a switch to the Maranello-based outfit following a run of two consecutive seasons without a win, bringing an end to a 26-year association with the Silver Arrows.

READ MORE: Brundle reveals Red Bull 'challenges' amid Horner investigation

After 12 seasons with the team, Hamilton has built a legacy that most can only dream of, but at one point before his move, both sides will begin to share less information with each other, as Max Verstappen revealed recently.

It’s natural for teams to hide things from departing drivers - so that they don’t hand their rivals a future advantage – but such is Hamilton’s strong relationship with his team, it seems unfathomable that the two parties may stop communicating quite so much.

READ MORE: Horner SNUBS Verstappen in stunning driver claim

Mercedes to focus on Russell

F1 winner Jonny Herbert told Grosvenor Sport that he believes things could break down between the two parties this season.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Horner allegations lost Red Bull 'MONTHS' of development claims Villeneuve

“Mercedes can listen to what Lewis says, but there will be a point where Lewis isn’t going to say very much, and Mercedes won’t say much to him, and the focus will switch to George,” he said.

“Then it is down to George who will suddenly be in the situation of being the number one. The man they will be listening to and the expectations will be on his shoulders.

“That is why it is very important for Mercedes. It is not just about having a good season but actually having the right ingredients with your driver.”

After bringing some interesting innovations to Bahrain testing, Mercedes will hope that they have worked hard enough over the winter to remain F1’s second-best team.

If not, they could find themselves embroiled in an incredibly tight midfield fight in Lewis Hamilton’s swansong season with the Brackley-based squad.

READ MORE: Horner and Red Bull investigation given SCATHING verdict by F1 legend

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