Russell Reveals Hamilton's Defining Trait as Teammate

George Russell has revealed that Lewis Hamilton's greatest strength as a Mercedes teammate was his "true leadership" and unparalleled work ethic. Russell praised Hamilton's ability to maintain team morale during difficult periods, setting a high standard for everyone. This insight comes as Hamilton struggles in his first season at Ferrari, a stark contrast to his influential role at the Silver Arrows.

Why it matters:

Russell's comments provide a fascinating look into the internal dynamics at Mercedes during a period of transition. It highlights the immense pressure and leadership vacuum left by Hamilton's departure, which Russell has now filled. The contrast between Hamilton's respected legacy at Mercedes and his current struggles at Ferrari underscores the immense challenge of adapting to a new team environment, even for a seven-time world champion.

The details:

• Leadership Qualities: Russell told Maxim magazine that the biggest lesson from Hamilton was "how he kept team morale high even in difficult phases," describing him as a "real leader" who remained calm and confident.
• Work Ethic: Hamilton set the standard by being "always the first in the office and the last to leave," a routine that motivated the entire team.
• Russell's Rise: Since Hamilton's move to Ferrari, Russell has grown into the team leader role, securing two race wins in the 2025 season.
• Hamilton's Struggles: In contrast, Hamilton's debut season with Ferrari has been disappointing, marked by a winless campaign and being consistently outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, who achieved seven podiums. For the first time in his F1 career, Hamilton finished a season without a top-three championship placement.

Looking ahead:

The diverging paths of Russell and Hamilton add a compelling narrative to the 2025 season and beyond. Russell is cementing his status as a top driver and team leader at Mercedes, while Hamilton faces a critical offseason to regroup and challenge Leclerc in 2026. The upcoming season will be a true test of whether Hamilton can rediscover his form and leadership at a new team.