Russell Explains Why It's 'Good' That Hamilton 'Is Leaving Now'

Sunday, 02 June 2024 at 10:48

George Russell found some positives in the upcoming departure of the team's long-term driver, Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton has been with Mercedes since the 2013 season when he decided to leave McLaren. Since then, the 39-year-old has won six Drivers' Championships and eight Constructors' Championships.

Hamilton has been with the team for so long that it seemed like he would stay there until the end of his career, but at the start of 2024, the seven-time World Champion made a huge decision to leave for Ferrari at the end of the season.

George Russell, who became Hamilton's teammate in 2022 and has been labeled as the "future of Mercedes" by Toto Wolff, asserted not all has to be negative now that the 39-year-old is leaving. He told the Daily Mail:

"My job is to beat my team-mate and get the most out of the car. It is a fresh start for the team, so many people here have shared success with Lewis, but change often ignites a new spark for everyone."

Read also

Mercedes Issues Response To "Shootout" Silverstone Test Speculations

"It does that for Lewis, and it sparks that for us here next year. You have to adapt and evolve, and we are in that process of building from the ground up."

The 26-year-old also suggested it is "good" that the seven-time World Champion is leaving the German team now rather than in 2021.

"It is good that Lewis is leaving us now — rather in 2021, when it would have been difficult for the whole team."

Mercedes has yet to officially announce the driver who will replace the 39-year-old. However, it is understood that 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli (current F2 driver) has the biggest shot, as Wolff believes in his potential.

Mercedes's team principal was and is also quite open about trying to lure Max Verstappen into his team, but the 26-year-old seems to be satisfied with his seat in Red Bull at the moment.