George Russell Unleashes the Truth: Did Lewis Hamilton’s Departure from Mercedes Ignite a Much-Needed Revolution for F1 2025?
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, George Russell has come forward with a bold assertion: Lewis Hamilton’s exit from Mercedes after a magnificent 12-year tenure was not only necessary but essential for both the legendary driver and the iconic team to embark on a thrilling “fresh start.”
The curtain rose on the 2025 F1 season with Mercedes brimming with hope and ambition. Russell’s incredible victory in Canada, complemented by multiple podium finishes, initially hinted at a resurgence for the team. His rookie teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, also made headlines by clinching his first podium during the same race, adding to the electrifying momentum. However, it wasn’t long before the tides turned against them.
Following a disastrous rear suspension upgrade introduced at Imola, Mercedes faced a harrowing battle with unpredictable handling characteristics. The team was forced to abandon the ill-fated modification, reverting to an earlier setup ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. This decision reaped rewards, as Russell secured another podium while Antonelli bounced back from a disappointing qualifying to earn his place in the points, indicating a potential comeback.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has been anything but smooth sailing. Despite an initial burst of optimism, including a Sprint Race victory in China, he has struggled to find his footing in the SF-25, consistently trailing behind teammate Charles Leclerc. The seven-time World Champion faced yet another tumultuous weekend in Budapest, where self-reflection led him to question his future in Formula 1.
Yet, Russell remains steadfast in his belief that Hamilton’s departure was a pivotal moment, one that could ultimately yield benefits for both parties. “It’s a different feeling within the team,” Russell expressed in an interview. “But ultimately, you only look towards one thing, which is the performance. We obviously started really well. Now we’ve had a run of bad form. I hope we can get that back on track, but there’s always pros and cons to every change that you make in any organisation.”
He further emphasized the necessity of change, stating, “I think the change was with Lewis. It’s good for him. It’s really good for us as a team; a fresh start. Sometimes you need to break that mould to find yourself back on track.”
While Hamilton struggles to adapt in his new environment, Russell has been closely monitoring the progress of Antonelli. Despite the mixed results, Russell insists that the rookie’s speed remains competitive. “The fact is, his pace delta to me is no different – I think that’s what people don’t see,” he pointed out. “In Canada, I was on pole and he qualified fourth, but he was six tenths behind me. In Belgium, he was out in Q1, and I made it to Q3, but he was only three tenths off.”
Russell highlighted the intense competition within the grid, noting that a mere tenth of a second can now dictate numerous positions, illustrating the razor-thin margins that define success in the current F1 landscape. “Kimi and I had just taken an equal step backwards over those last few races,” he explained.
Importantly, Russell reassured fans that Mercedes’ recent struggles should not be misconstrued as a long-term crisis. With a significant portion of the Brackley team already focusing on developing the 2026 car, he believes the impact of their current setbacks will be minimal. “It’s obviously a totally different concept going into next year, but you still need people feeling creative, feeling confident with themselves, and the simulations and tools working properly,” he articulated.
“Ultimately, this is a sport based upon decisions and upon people, because the people are who create the simulations and everything, and we need them in the best place possible. Of course, this recent lack of performance is not ideal, but actually, the truth is 95 percent of the workforce is already on 2026. So, that group of people is not in the sort of emotional cycle that you would ordinarily be in.”
As the dust settles on this tumultuous period, the question remains: Will this fresh start truly rejuvenate both Russell and Mercedes while Hamilton redefines his legacy at Ferrari? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—this season has set the stage for an explosive F1 saga that fans won’t want to miss.