WATCH: “I don’t know,” Lewis Hamilton gives verdict on George Russell’s potential to lead Mercedes

George Russell will take up the role of team leader at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari in 2025.

WATCH: “I don’t know,” Lewis Hamilton gives verdict on George Russell’s potential to lead Mercedes

ZANDVOORT Lewis Hamilton Mercedes and George Russell Mercedes arrive at the circuit at Circuit Zandvoort ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of the Netherlands on August 24, 2023 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. ANP KOEN VAN WEEL F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands 2023/24 xVIxANPxSportx/xxANPxIVx 476173978 originalFilename: 476173978.jpg

Lewis Hamilton will end his journey with Mercedes at the end of this year. The 39-year-old will join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. This has left the Silver Arrows in a tough spot for next year for a suitable replacement. Moreover, the Brackley-based team loses out on the seven-time world champion’s leadership. Now, Hamilton has given his verdict on George Russell‘s capability to become the new team leader.

Previously, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff claimed that Russell would lead the Silver Arrows in 2025. Lewis Hamilton initially claimed that didn’t know if his teammate could become the team leader. However, the 39-year-old affirmed that George Russell has what it takes for such a role as a driver.

I don’t know. I’m sure he can. George he’s very technical, massively engaging.
Lewis Hamilton said in a press conference (H&T: @fiagirly/X)
YouTube video

Moreover, Hamilton reckoned that the 26-year-old knew the technical side of the sport and was good at engaging within the team. Additionally, Lewis Hamilton pointed out the close relationship between George Russell and Toto Wolff. As such, Russell would be an apt leader for the Silver Arrows.

FS Video
He’s obviously incredibly close with Toto, so no doubt that will be his position.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to go head-to-head in their final season as teammates

George Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 after spending three seasons at Williams. The 26-year-old matched Lewis Hamilton from the get-go and took the team’s only victory that year at Brazil. However, Hamilton bounced back with a stronger campaign in 2023 compared to his younger teammate.

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)

Nevertheless, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell would battle it out in their final season as teammates. Russell made it clear that he wanted to make his last campaign alongside Hamilton a special one. Although, conflict could arise between the two such as the first-lap collision at the Qatar GP last year.

Certainly, fans would be looking forward to seeing Lewis Hamilton and George Russell go wheel-to-wheel at Mercedes for one last time. The two drivers have shared a good relationship over the years. However, the situation within the Silver Arrows would be different this year as it is Hamilton’s last campaign at Brackley.

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