Russell thinks Hamilton would’ve stayed at Mercedes with current form

George Russell is confident in Mercedes’ current form and future prospects, asserting that teammate Lewis Hamilton would not have signed with Ferrari if he had known what was coming. Seven-time world champion Hamilton, Formula One’s most successful driver, shocked the sport in February by announcing his move to the Italian team for next season.

Mercedes endured a winless 2023, their first season without a victory since 2011, and Hamilton had not claimed a podium since 2021. However, the former champions are now pursuing a third consecutive victory at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, with Hamilton achieving a record ninth win at his home British race and Russell winning in Austria.

“I don’t think he would have left if the team was performing like this. No way he would have left, for sure not,” Russell told Reuters.

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Russell highlighted the promising future for Mercedes, particularly with the development of the power unit (PU) and fuels looking strong for 2026. “For 2026 the PU’s looking really strong and everything we’re doing with the fuels is looking great and there’s a lot of optimism for us over the next couple of years,” he continued. “As tough as these last few years have been, it really feels like we’ve got the momentum with us now.”

Despite Ferrari winning twice this year, their recent form has declined, putting them at risk of losing second place to the resurgent McLaren. Russell acknowledged the appeal of change for Hamilton, who has spent 12 years with Mercedes and achieved unparalleled success with the team.

“I think everybody wants change at some point,” Russell said of Hamilton. “He’s been here 12 years now, he’s achieved so much with the team. I think for him it’s exciting to have that change.”