Mercedes F1 Team Undergoes Massive Transformation Post-Lewis Hamilton Era: Bottas Reveals Insider Details
The departure of Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes has sparked a major shift within the team, according to Valtteri Bottas. The Finnish driver described a newfound “chilled” atmosphere at Mercedes following Hamilton’s exit, with George Russell taking on the lead driver role and talented rookie Kimi Antonelli making his debut in Formula 1 as a teenager alongside the team.
After an illustrious partnership with Hamilton that yielded numerous championships and records, Mercedes is now adapting to a new era without the iconic driver. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marked the end of an era, leaving a void that Bottas believes has brought about a subtle but significant change within the team dynamics.
Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Bottas shared his insights on the team’s evolution post-Hamilton, acknowledging that while the winning mentality remains strong under team principal Toto Wolff, there is a palpable difference in the team environment. The absence of Hamilton has paved the way for fresh excitement with young talents like Russell and Antonelli stepping into prominent roles within the team.
Having also experienced the transition to a senior role at Alfa Romeo/Sauber in 2022, Bottas emphasized the importance of leadership and guiding rookie drivers to success. He expressed his satisfaction in taking on a more prominent position within the team and the rewarding feeling that comes with steering the team in the right direction.
Despite Mercedes facing a winless streak in the early stages of the F1 2025 season, both Russell and Antonelli have shown impressive performances, with Russell accumulating 111 points and Antonelli securing 48 points so far.
The post-Hamilton era at Mercedes is not just a period of change but also a time of opportunity and growth, as the team navigates a new chapter in its Formula 1 journey. The legacy left by Hamilton continues to inspire and drive Mercedes forward, with a fresh lineup of talent poised to carry on the team’s winning tradition.
