Former Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has made the rather bold prediction that Lewis Hamilton might consider moving away from Mercedes if they cannot give him a car to challenge for the world championship once again in short order.

The Mercs have been a little off of the pace so far this season, but they are working hard and doing a fine job at damage limitation.

Even so, they want to be racing for victories on pure pace and performance and Hakkinen has said a number of things might be forcing Lewis to assess where he wants to be in the sport, with him saying that George Russell's strong early form might also be a factor.

"It's a tough spot for Lewis, it's obvious," Hakkinen said via Unibet.

"Russell didn't come there to be the number two or to lose. He's there to give his best and [is] working to become World Champion one day. He's not bowing down to a seven-time World Champion.

"The last race in Australia was a tough spot for Lewis, really tough. The team naturally wants the drivers to finish the race. They got the result – not the result they hope for, but still good points for the team.

"But I'm sure Lewis is still annoyed by the situation. It's hard to be beaten by George. I'm afraid this will be a really difficult season for Lewis.

"It's already difficult for Mercedes, but especially for Lewis.

"George comes from a team with little to no success – he had some good qualifying results but not in the races. All these achievements with Mercedes are new to him, everything feels super good.

"For Lewis, this is a disaster. And, with George being ahead, it's even worse.

"I wonder how Lewis behaves in the team meetings.

"I bet he's sulking – I can imagine it! Lots of complaining and whining.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on April 08, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

"This starts the natural thought process of drivers, 'Should I go somewhere else?'

"It's a fact. He's been at Mercedes for years and won multiple championships.

"Now that things are not going well, he'll start thinking of switching teams."

Pretty punchy claims from Hakkinen, and we'll have to see if Hamilton does end up leaving Mercedes.

In truth, we think Lewis is as committed as ever to Mercedes and trying to turn things around and, whilst he won't like being beaten by his team-mate or anyone else, the early bond there seems to be between Hamilton and Russell appears a genuine one.