Russell Ready to Take Charge at Mercedes in 2025

George Russell embraces leadership at Mercedes F1, eyeing 2025 as his defining moment after Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari.

George Russell stated that taking on the role of “de facto team leader” at Mercedes F1 would be “the next step in my journey” once Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari.

Russell will drive alongside a rookie teammate next year when Andrea Kimi Antonelli steps up to Formula 1, making him the experienced driver for the Silver Arrows in 2025.

After partnering with the statistically most successful driver in the sport’s history for the past three seasons, Russell said he feels “ready in every way” to be a full-fledged title contender next year.

“It’s the next step in my journey,” Russell responded when asked if he would assume the role of number one at Mercedes in 2025.

“I will have been with the team for four years and part of the Mercedes family for eight or nine years. I feel ready in every way to fight for the World Championship in 2025.”

“I also feel ready to have more of a voice and to work with the team at every race, contributing to the car’s development.”

“Next year, we will build on what Lewis and I have sown over the past three years.”

After three years with Williams, the Briton said valuable lessons were learned from his partnership with the seven-time world champion. Antonelli, on the other hand, won’t have that smoother transition.

“When you’re thrown in at the deep end, you learn faster,” Russell added in defense of Toto Wolff’s decision.

“From my experience, I can say I learned more in my first year alongside Lewis than I did in my three years at Williams.”

“All drivers who have won championships throughout their careers are fast. You can put them in a top team from their first year, as Lewis did at McLaren.”

“I’m sure Charles [Leclerc] at Ferrari or Max [Verstappen] at Red Bull would have done a great job even without preparation in a smaller team.”

“Maybe at the cost of one or two mistakes, but that’s part of the challenge. Kimi will learn from that. Either you have the speed, or you don’t. Kimi has it.”