George Russell claims there is ‘no way Lewis Hamilton would have left’ Mercedes for Ferrari if they had bounced back earlier

George Russell still supports Lewis Hamilton leaving for Ferrari because he belives every driver need such change.

George Russell claims there is ‘no way Lewis Hamilton would have left’ Mercedes for Ferrari if they had bounced back earlier

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton shocked the F1 world by announcing his departure from Mercedes after being there for 10 plus years. The seven-time-world champion is set to continue his F1 journey with Ferrari starting from 2025. Some people assume Hamilton’s departure arose because of Mercedes’ downfall. However, it seems Mercedes is back in action with winning back-to-back races.

George Russell in an interview stated that Lewis Hamilton probably wouldn’t have left Mercedes for Ferrari if they had been doing well and performing strongly from the start. If they had been winning and performing like they did in Austria and Silverstone, the 39-year-old would’ve had hope that the team can do better next year. Russell suggested that Hamilton’s potential move is more about Mercedes’ current lack of success than a desire to leave the team.

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I don’t think he would have left if the team was performing like this, no way he would have left, for sure not.
George Russell told SilverArrows.net.

Further, Russell highlighted that for the 2026 season, Mercedes’s new power unit is shaping up to be very promising. He mentioned that the work being done with the fuels is showing good outcomes. This is creating a lot of excitement and hope for the team’s performance in the next few years. Russell expressed his optimistic views on the improvements they’re making currently will lead them to success in future.

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For 2026 the PU [power unit]’s looking really strong and everything we’re doing with the fuels is looking great and there’s a lot of optimism for us over the next couple of years.
George Russell stated.
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George Russell claims Lewis Hamilton move to Ferrari was much needed change

George Russell mentioned that Lewis Hamilton had been with the team for 12 years and has achieved more than any other driver could in this period. He stated that everyone eventually wants some change, and it makes sense after such a long time, the Briton is switching. Russell believed for his teammate to experience something new and different is exciting.

George Russell
George Russell (Via: Imago)
I think everybody wants change at some point. He’s been here 12 years now, he’s achieved so much with the team. I think for him it’s exciting to have that change
George Russell said.

Further, the young Briton stated that if the team you are in is winning races and everything looks promising for the future, anyone naturally wants to stay with them. He highlighted that such a situation would lead anyone to choose to drive the fastest car, regardless of the team’s color or brand. Therefore, Russell thought Hamilton would’ve not made the decision of leaving, if Mercedes was faster as it is now from the beginning.

But of course if the team you’re currently with are winning races and everything is looking super great for the future, you just want to be in the fastest car possible and it doesn’t matter what color that is.
George Russell added.

Certainly, George Russell showed his support to Hamilton on his departure. He understood his teammates’ feeling of wanting to leave because every other driver would’ve done the same or retired if they were in his situation. Fans are eager to watch both Hamilton and Russell give a good performance in qualifying sessions and the main race of the Hungarian GP.

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