George Russell emphasized that Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Scuderia Ferrari could bring new energy at Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton is no longer a Mercedes driver. The seven-time world champion joins Scuderia Ferrari after spending over a decade at Brackley. Mercedes’ George Russell has now claimed that Hamilton’s departure could rejuvenize the team.
The Silver Arrows have struggled since the start of the ground-effect era in 2022. Last season was one of the worst for Mercedes after it finished fourth in the standings.
Lewis Hamilton had become frustrated over the course of the season, and even thought of quitting the campaign.
George Russell recognized that Mercedes has faced three challenging seasons. The 26-year-old insisted that a change in driver line-up by Hamilton’s Ferrari switch could spark motivation for everyone at Brackley. Russell emphasized that sometimes a change like this is required, especially when a team is struggling to perform.
It has been a tough three years, and I think this change for everyone is really going to spark a lot of motivation for everyone. And I think sometimes change is really much needed.
George Russell said, as reported by F1i.com
George Russell recalls Lewis Hamilton’s final Mercedes debrief
Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes started with a shock Q1 elimination in Qualifying. George Russell recalled that the team was disappointed during the debrief. However, Lewis Hamilton reminded everyone of the incredible success they had achieved together. Russell highlighted that the seven-time world champion knew how to end on a positive note despite the circumstances.
Lewis even said after the debrief [in Abu Dhabi], everyone had their head in their hands after what happened in qualifying, but he said, ‘Look, let’s stand tall and not forget of all these pole positions and wins that we’ve had together.’ I think it’s been a very nice way to finish this season.
George Russell explained
The mantle at Mercedes now falls on George Russell. The 26-year-old must step up this year and act as the team leader at Brackley. This is essential not only for the Silver Arrows’ 2025 campaign but even for Russell’s long-term future with the team.
