George Russell sends message to Lewis Hamilton after Mercedes exit | 3U3R453 | 2024-02-04 16:08:01
George Russell says he needs to make his ultimate season alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton 'one to recollect' with the seven-time Formula One champion shifting to Ferrari next yr.
On Thursday, it was introduced that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 – news that has shocked the F1 group.
Opening up on his choice to go away the Silver Arrows, with whom he has gained six drivers' titles throughout 11 years, the 39-year-old explained: 'I really feel extremely fortunate, after attaining things with Mercedes that I might only have dreamed of as a child, that I now have the prospect to fulfil one other childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari pink.
'However the time is true to make a change and tackle a brand new problem. I nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of taking a leap of religion into the unknown once I first joined Mercedes in 2013.
'I do know some individuals didn't perceive it on the time but I was right to make the transfer then and it's the sensation I've again now. I'm excited to see what I can deliver to this new alternative and what we will do collectively.'
Writing on Twitter, Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Russell despatched an aesthetic message to his fellow Brit: 'It's been particular racing alongside you. Let's make this season one to recollect.'
Russell impressively beat Hamilton in their first yr as teammates in 2022, however the veteran showed the 25-year-old that he still has much to study by finishing some 59 factors ahead in the standings final yr.
Chatting with Autosport, Russell is 'assured 2024 might be very totally different' nevertheless, saying: 'I do know the type of driver who I am.
'I know one yr like this [2023] just isn't going to remove from all of my different consistent seasons, championship-winning seasons. I need to be forward. And that's what I'm pushing myself for.
</div> 'And doubtless once I sit by way of my championship years [in GP3 and Formula 2], I in all probability wasn't being pushed as much as I'm pushing myself now.
'I'm purposely making an attempt to push myself additional and past, and I'm not glad with simply being on par with my team-mate in qualifying or no matter it might be – [like in 2022 when] we have been very even across the whole season.'
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff can also be assured Russell has what it takes to steer the staff after Hamilton's departure, saying: 'George has the potential to be the subsequent lead driver in the group. I couldn't want for a brand new staff leader when Lewis leaves. Little question about that.
'We've such a strong basis, such a quick and gifted and intelligent guy in a automotive that we simply have to take the best selection for the second driver, the second seat.'
They'll be plenty of drivers gunning to join the Silver Arrows, with Carlos Sainz, the person Hamilton is replacing at Ferrari, and Williams' Alex Albon the favourites for the seat.
The 2024 F1 season will get underway in 2nd March with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
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