Russell suggests that a stronger Mercedes in 2023 might have prevented Hamilton’s departure.
George Russell believes there was “no chance” Lewis Hamilton would have left Mercedes F1 if the team had been in its current form at the end of last year.
Before the season even started, Hamilton confirmed he would leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in a multi-year deal starting in 2025.
This decision came after two challenging seasons and before the first trials of the W15 this year.
“I don’t think he would have left if the team had been performing like this at the end of 2023. There would have been no chance he would leave, definitely not,” Russell told Reuters.
“For 2026, the engine in development looks very solid, and everything we are doing with sustainable fuels seems great, and we are very optimistic for the next two years.”
“As difficult as the past few years have been, we really feel like we have the right momentum now.”
However, Russell understands Hamilton’s desire to change environments before ending his F1 career.
“I think everyone wants a change at some point. He’s been here for 12 years now, he’s achieved so much with the team. I think for him, it’s exciting to experience this change.”
“But of course, if the team you are currently with is winning races and everything seems to be looking up for the future, you just want to be in the fastest car possible, no matter its color.”
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Russell Claims 2023 Mercedes Could’ve Kept Hamilton Russell Claims 2023 Mercedes Could’ve Kept Hamilton
