Russell Credits Hamilton's Departure for Career-Best Season
George Russell says his 2025 season was his best, attributing his improved consistency to Lewis Hamilton's exit. He no longer felt the need to push beyond his limits against the seven-time champion.
George Russell believes his 2025 campaign was his best in Formula 1, and he suggests Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was an unlikely catalyst. Russell admitted that racing alongside the seven-time world champion pushed him to explore his absolute limits, an aggressive approach that often backfired. With Hamilton gone and Russell stepping into the team leader role, he adopted a more measured strategy, which he credits for his most consistent and successful season to date.
Why it matters:
This reveals the significant psychological impact of intra-team dynamics at the top level of motorsport. Russell's experience demonstrates how the pressure of competing against a legendary teammate can be both a motivator and a detriment to consistency. His evolution from a risk-taker to a calculated leader marks a crucial step in his development as a front-running driver aiming for a championship.
The details:
- Russell explained that during his time with Hamilton, he "wanted to push myself to see if there’s more in the tank, and go beyond the limit," a mindset that "bit me in the ass" during the 2023 season.
- For 2025, as the clear number one driver alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli, he "reined it back a little bit," leading to Grand Prix wins in Canada and Singapore.
- He described the season as his "most solid in terms of performance, emotional system, least mistakes."
- New Role: As team leader, Russell has also taken on a mentoring role for Antonelli, praising the young driver's "real speed" and positive impact on the team, while noting that in F1, "it always comes down to what you achieve on track."
What's next:
With both Russell and Antonelli secured for the 2026 season, the focus shifts to the next major regulatory overhaul.
- Russell expects Antonelli to "continue progressing" and deliver standout performances more frequently as he gains experience.
- The 2026 regulations, featuring new chassis and engine rules, will be a true test of Mercedes' ability to build a championship-contending car around its established leader and emerging talent.