F1 News: Russell addresses Hamilton professionalism at Mercedes amid Ferrari switch

Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell pose for a photo together, smiling — Photo: © IMAGO

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Russell addresses Hamilton professionalism at Mercedes amid Ferrari switch

Questions have been raised as to how the team will operate with the seven-time champion leaving

Tyler Rowlinson

Saturday 23 March 2024 12:27

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George Russell has clarified how Mercedes are going about with upgrades and opportunities with Lewis Hamilton departing the team at the end of the year.

The 2024 season will mark the 12th and final season where Hamilton will race for the Silver Arrows before he completes his sensational move to Ferrari for 2025.

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The shock move prompted questions as to how Mercedes would operate with their drivers this season, knowing that the seven-time champion would be heading to their rivals.

Hamilton has endured a difficult start compared to his team-mate, with Russell beating him in qualifying and the race in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

George Russell has outperformed Lewis Hamilton so far in 2024

Russell praises Hamilton professionalism

But speaking with the media ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Russell praised Hamilton’s professionalism and stressed that nothing has changed in the relationship between the team and its drivers.

“I think since Lewis’ news, I think Lewis has been incredibly professional with the team and the working relationship with everybody within Mercedes is like nothing has changed whatsoever,” he said.

Russell also stated that he and Hamilton will both get ‘equal opportunities’ when it comes to upgrades for the W15.

“And the team have been so great,” he continued. “They’ve given us both equal opportunities. It’s always been that from the outset.

Russell says both Mercedes drivers get equal opportunities

“And whenever upgrades are bringing [sic] to the car, it’s going to both of us at the same time, whereas other teams they go one before the other.”

The 26-year-old insisted that this would remain the case with his new team-mate after Hamilton departs, with a whole host of names being mentioned in the running for the vacant seat.

“And that’s always the way at Mercedes,” he said. “They want to give both drivers the best chance of achieving the best results and then going into next year, no matter who my team-mate is going to be, that will still continue to be the same.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes George Russell