George Russell has admitted the news that his now ex-Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton would be heading to Ferrari in Formula 1 was a “total bombshell” to him.
Russell has taken over the mantle as team leader at Mercedes in 2025 as Hamilton’s departure has seen rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli promoted to the drive he vacated.
Both Hamilton and Russell were expected to remain team-mates through 2025 when it was announced that the duo had signed contract extensions back in August 2023.
But despite expressing at the time his desire to conclude his career with Mercedes, Hamilton activated an exit clause several months later to agree the switch to Ferrari.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted that he wasn’t “surprised” when Hamilton told him, citing that he had heard rumours about a deal in the weeks preceding that discussion.
However, Russell has divulged that he was caught unaware when the announcement arrived that his compatriot was going to end his illustrious collaboration with Mercedes.
Asked to reveal the moment that he heard a whisper about Hamilton to Ferrari, Russell told Virgin Radio: “To be honest, it wasn’t a whisper I heard, for a fact was the first time I heard it.
“It was quite surprising, to be honest, because these things usually have a way of creeping out into the media, and it was just a total bombshell.
“But, at the end of the day, these things all happen for a reason. And we’re entering a new era in Formula 1 shortly. The sport is getting bigger and bigger. And I think it’s great for all.”
Russell relished time alongside Hamilton
Russell held the upper hand in his last season with Hamilton, who struggled to gel with a capricious Mercedes W15 car that did not suit his natural driving tendencies.
That culminated in the ex-Williams driver amassing 22 more points than his more experienced partner, though Hamilton had the slight edge in their time as team-mates.
Asked what it was like to work alongside, Hamilton Russell stated that it provided him with the ideal chance to showcase his credentials against a seven-time champion.
“It was great, to be honest,” Russell asserted.
“I mean, for me, when you have a seven-time World Champion as your team-mate, it’s such a good opportunity to show what you’re capable of.
“But then also just learning how he deals with the team, how he kept the morale up when times were tough, how he always gave time to the fans.
“It was a difficult position for him, being, you know, as large as he is, but you know, when it was sort of one-on-one, he really is a great guy.
“And a bit of end of an era for him and the team, but I think it’s an exciting opportunity, you know, for him as well, and interesting for the sport, but also for myself, for Kimi, Mercedes.
“So, you know, I think it’s good for everyone.”
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