With Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari, George Russell finds himself stepping into the lead role at Mercedes—a position that could define his career. After outperforming Hamilton in the 2024 standings, the 26-year-old Briton is ready to take charge and mentor his new teammate, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli.
Russell acknowledges that a new era has begun for both himself and the Silver Arrows.
“I am entering a new chapter in my career. I am ending my beginning and entering the mid-stage.”
Russell Embraces the Responsibility
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has already confirmed that Russell will lead the team in this transitional phase. And the Briton isn’t shying away from the challenge.
Russell drew comparisons to past greats, noting that Hamilton and Michael Schumacher hit their prime later in their careers. But with modern drivers debuting younger, he believes his time is now.
“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 fulfill roles at the team, and the most important part of that is driving as quickly as possible.”
Russell’s self-assuredness comes after a rocky but improving 2024 campaign. While Mercedes struggled for pace against Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari, Russell outperformed Hamilton in the standings, proving that he has the consistency and speed to lead the Brackley squad.
Backing Antonelli: “He’s a Fantastic Driver”
Russell will also have a crucial mentorship role alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Italian prodigy who is making the jump straight from Formula 2 to F1.
Despite Antonelli’s crash in his debut FP1 session last year, Russell remains confident in his young teammate’s potential.
“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.”
This mentorship dynamic mirrors what Hamilton once had with Fernando Alonso at McLaren in 2007. However, Russell will have full team support—a luxury Hamilton did not enjoy in his rookie year.
Can Russell Bring Mercedes Back to Glory?
With 2025 shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in F1 history, Russell’s leadership will be tested like never before.
👉 Red Bull remains the benchmark with Verstappen still at his peak
👉 Ferrari has added Hamilton, aiming for their first title since 2007
👉 McLaren is surging with Norris and Piastri
👉 Mercedes is rebuilding and desperate to return to winning ways
Russell has already proven himself capable of podiums and race wins, but can he truly lead a championship charge?
🚀 Is George Russell ready to become Mercedes’ undisputed No.1, or will Kimi Antonelli rise faster than expected?