F1 News: Brundle names surprise winner in Hamilton Ferrari move

Martin Brundle conducts one of his famous gridwalks while George Russell smiles — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Superstars

Brundle names surprise winner in Hamilton Ferrari move

He believes the pair would be closely matched in a world championship battle

Originally written by Sam Cook. This version is a translation.

Friday 16 February 2024 02:57

Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle has backed George Russell to up his performance in 2024, refreshed by the knowledge that he'll be leading Mercedes in 2025.

Russell actually outperformed Hamilton in their first season together, but took a step back in 2023 - characterised by some sloppy mistakes, such as his crash at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton shocked the racing world earlier this month when he decided to ditch his Mercedes team and instead join Ferrari from 2025, leaving a seat alongside Russell vacant from the end of the upcoming season.

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Regardless of which of the many names linked with a Mercedes drive end up with the Brackley-based team, Russell will likely become the number one driver, with Toto Wolff recently proclaiming that the Brit was ready to take that step up.

Lewis Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in 2025

It means that there will be a seat alongside George Russell free at Mercedes from 2025

Martin Brundle's gridwalks have become synonymous with F1 coverage

Russell's new Mercedes role

"George is ready to pick up the mantle at Mercedes Benz, there’s no doubt about it at all, and he’s measured himself against statistically and arguably the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time – that’s a debate we could have all afternoon back to Fangio and Moss – but George has measured himself against Lewis and looks incredibly strong, very equal.

“If Mercedes have got a championship winning car this year, who would win? Would it be George or Lewis? I think it’d be really close. So that’s the level that George is at now.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes George Russell Singapore Grand Prix Martin Brundle