Hamilton to support Russell becoming Mercedes team leader
Hamilton to support Russell becoming Mercedes team leader
Lewis Hamilton has backed George Russell to become team leader at Mercedes.
Russell made the winter switch from Williams to the Silver Arrows in a long-awaited promotion for the former F2 champion, who had made his way through the junior ranks with backing from the Brackley-based team.
The Briton has enjoyed success over his seven-time F1 champion team-mate so far, with last weekend's British Grand Prix retirement marking the first race Russell has failed to classify in the top five this season.
Hamilton sits 18 points behind Russell in the championship standings but asked how tough a team-mate the 24-year-old has been, he replied: "I wouldn't say it has been tough. It has been pleasant.
"We have worked together incredibly well and George has been super-positive, had a positive impact on the working environment and it has genuinely been a real pleasure to work with him.
"It has been great to see his success. He has done such a great job, he has got great points for the team and is continuing to improve and it is going to continue to improve for a long time."
Russell "has the qualities to help take this team forwards"
Hamilton, despite his impressive qualities as a racing driver, is in the twilight of his career given he is now 37
But he sees no concern about Russell's ability to take the helm at Mercedes, with Hamilton explaining: "I definitely see he has got so much potential in him and he is in the right place for it as well.
"I really think that whether or not I am here, he has all the qualities to help take this team forwards into the future and lead them to success so I think it has been the right choice by the team.
"I hope that I can be a part of helping him progress."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 News Today: Horner reveals Verstappen SECRET as team reveal surprise name change
- 1 hour ago
Ferrari announce DRASTIC change as Verstappen issues dire warning to bosses - GPFans F1 Recap
- Today 00:27
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
- Yesterday 22:57
F1 giants announce name change with IMMEDIATE effect
- Yesterday 21:57
Horner admits Red Bull at MAJOR disadvantage with new rules
- Yesterday 20:57
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
- Yesterday 19:57
Related news
Hamilton car camera captures Verstappen's TRUE feelings toward F1 rival
Marko reveals Vettel requirements for stunning F1 comeback
Fierce Hamilton F1 rival raises timing issue for Ferrari move
Wolff admits CHANGE of plan over Hamilton F1 replacement
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860