George Russell sends message to Lewis Hamilton after Mercedes exit | 76YEAVZ | 2024-02-05 16:08:01
George Russell says he needs to make his remaining season alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton 'one to recollect' with the seven-time Formula One champion shifting to Ferrari next yr.
On Thursday, it was announced that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 – news that has shocked the F1 group.
Opening up on his determination to go away the Silver Arrows, with whom he has gained six drivers' titles across 11 years, the 39-year-old defined: 'I really feel extremely fortunate, after attaining issues with Mercedes that I might only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the prospect to fulfil one other childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari purple.
'But the time is true to make a change and tackle a new problem. I nonetheless keep in mind the feeling of taking a leap of religion into the unknown once I first joined Mercedes in 2013.
'I know some individuals didn't perceive it at the time but I used to be proper to make the move then and it's the feeling I've once more 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 sent an aesthetic message to his fellow Brit: 'It's been special racing alongside you. Let's make this season one to recollect.'
Russell impressively beat Hamilton of their first yr as teammates in 2022, however the veteran showed the 25-year-old that he nonetheless has much to study by ending some 59 points forward within the standings last yr.
Chatting with Autosport, Russell is 'assured 2024 can be very totally different' nevertheless, saying: 'I do know the type of driver who I am.
'I do know one yr like this [2023] just isn't going to take away from all of my different constant seasons, championship-winning seasons. I need to be ahead. 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 a lot as I'm pushing myself now.
'I'm purposely making an attempt to push myself further 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 throughout the whole season.'
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff can also be confident Russell has what it takes to steer the group after Hamilton's departure, saying: 'George has the potential to be the subsequent lead driver within the group. I couldn't wish for a new workforce leader when Lewis leaves. Little question about that.
'We've such a strong foundation, such a fast and gifted and intelligent man in a automotive that we just have to take the suitable selection for the second driver, the second seat.'
They'll be plenty of drivers gunning to join the Silver Arrows, with Carlos Sainz, the man Hamilton is replacing at Ferrari, and Williams' Alex Albon the favourites for the seat.
The 2024 F1 season gets underway in 2nd March with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
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