George Russell is confident in Mercedes’ current form and future potential, suggesting that Lewis Hamilton would not have made the decision to switch to Ferrari if he had known what Mercedes had in store. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, shocked the Formula One world when he announced his move to Ferrari for the upcoming season in February.
Mercedes experienced a winless season in 2023, their first since 2011, and Hamilton had not secured a victory since 2021 until the recent British Grand Prix in July. Despite their past struggles, Mercedes is now aiming for a third consecutive win at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Hamilton claiming a record ninth victory at the British GP and Russell winning in Austria.
Russell believes that the Mercedes power unit for 2026 looks promising, and there is optimism for the team’s future performance. Despite Ferrari’s two wins this season, their recent form has declined, putting them at risk of losing second place to McLaren. Russell acknowledges that Hamilton, after 12 years with Mercedes, may find excitement in seeking change with Ferrari.
Russell himself has had impressive performances, securing pole positions in Canada and Silverstone, as well as a fortunate win in Austria. He credits the team’s turnaround to technical director James Allison and the collective effort of the team despite facing challenges. Russell’s strong qualifying performances against Hamilton this season give him confidence in his abilities and the team’s potential moving forward.
The Briton expresses his satisfaction with the team’s progress, noting that they have shown significant improvement in performance and lap times. Russell’s belief in Mercedes’ resurgence and the unity within the team suggests a promising outlook for future races.
Overall, Russell’s insights shed light on the dynamics within Mercedes and the implications of Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari. As the team continues to perform well and show signs of improvement, the Formula One landscape remains intriguing with shifting allegiances and competitive rivalries.