George Russell embraces for new ‘chapter’ amidst Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch
George Russell raised confidence over his chances at Mercedes with Kimi Antonelli amidst Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari switch.
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George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (via Formula 1)
George Russell seems all set to take the ‘lead’ role at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The 26-year-old already defeated Hamilton in the championship standings in the 2024 season. Hence, Russell seems ready to take up the challenge of racing against the prodigy Kimi Antonelli and maximize points over the race weekend.
Toto Wolff previously asserted that George Russell would take the ‘lead role’ and help Kimi Antonelli get up to speed from the get-go. Amidst the preparations, Russell pointed out that he was entering a ‘new chapter’ in his career. The 26-year-old highlighted that he was ending the ‘beginning’ phase of his career and entering the mid-stage.
I am entering a new chapter in my career. I am ending my beginning and entering the mid-stage.
George Russell said, as reported by Motorsport Week
Russell recalled the legendary Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton‘s careers which started at a later stage in their life. The 26-year-old further noted that a majority of the drivers now debuted at younger ages than back in the day. Hence, the Briton claimed that he was ready to fulfill the roles in the team and drive as quickly as possible. Moreover, the Mercedes driver felt that he was in a ‘good place’ to achieve his goals.
Lewis was 29 when he joined Mercedes [in 2013] and started winning all those championships, and Michael [Schumacher] was early 30s at Ferrari [where he won five titles]. Nowadays everyone starts younger and younger – my debut came at 20. But I feel ready now to fulfil roles at the team, but the most important part of that is driving as quickly as possible, and I feel in a good place to do that.
George Russell added
George Russell confident of Kimi Antonelli’s chances with Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli participated in some testing sessions with Mercedes in the 2024 season but crashed in his debut FP1 session. Regardless, George Russell claimed that the 18-year-old was a ‘fantastic’ driver despite not having much experience. Russell raised surety over Antonelli getting up to speed very quickly. Moreover, the 26-year-old asserted that the Italian’s feedback would be just as valid as the former’s within Brackley.
He is such a fantastic driver. He does not have the experience yet, but I am sure he will be up to speed very quickly. He has already integrated so well. We have both been racing from a young age and we know what needs to be fed back to the team. He is young, but his opinion will be just as valid.
George Russell noted
Mercedes’ mediocre performance in the 2024 season might improve in the coming season after the massive learnings. Multiple teams seem ready to contend for the world championship in the 2025 season. Hence, Russell’s role with Brackley would be interesting to witness as the team would operate under Hamilton’s absence after a very long time.
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Aditya Pandya
(1496 Articles Published)