George Russell reveals stronger bond with Lewis Hamilton after his move to Ferrari, despite Mercedes struggles and F1 2025 teammate shift.
George Russell has explained how he has grown closer to Lewis Hamilton since the seven-time world champion left Mercedes for Ferrari.
The Briton has had a strong start to the season, sitting fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, 26 points behind Max Verstappen, despite Mercedes’ struggles during the recent triple-header.
Russell’s consistency has been the cornerstone of his season so far, a strength he has displayed regularly since joining the German team three years ago.
“People might have thought we’d speak less now, but on the contrary, we’ve grown closer!”
“We sometimes fly together and talk more often away from the track. I really enjoy Lewis’s company.”
“Of course, he’s under the spotlight more than any of us, and sometimes there’s a protective shield that goes up.”
“But in a more private setting, he’s someone I get along with very well. It’s great to have someone like him I can turn to for advice now and then, as he’s at a completely different stage in his career.”
Russell has outperformed Hamilton two times in three seasons, a feat none of his former teammates managed. For many, statistically outshining the greatest driver of all time would be a huge confidence boost, but Russell seems to take it all in stride.
“I go about things one week at a time. I’ve always said I’m not afraid to be anyone’s teammate. At the end of 2021, Lewis was the best on the grid.”
“No one would’ve thought anyone at Mercedes could beat him. I came in and performed right from the first race. I’ve always believed in myself.”
“His reputation back then was the same as Max’s is today. No one thinks Max can be beaten. And people thought the same of Lewis at the time.”
“People forget that Lewis started in Formula 1 as a rookie and finished on the podium in each of his first nine races, with a double world champion (Alonso) as his teammate. That says a lot.”