George Russell stated that Lewis Hamilton will have equal opportunities at Mercedes until the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, despite his move to Ferrari already being confirmed for 2025.
The news of Hamilton’s departure took everyone by surprise in the pre-season. The driver will end a golden era at the German team, having won six of his seven F1 titles, in addition to 82 victories with the team.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also confirmed that Hamilton will continue to receive the same treatment as Russell in his final season with the team.
Asked in Australia how his influence on the team had changed since the announcement of Hamilton’s departure, Russell was emphatic: “I think since the Lewis news he’s been incredibly professional with the team and the working relationship with everyone at Mercedes remains the same. The team has been great about giving us equal opportunities. It’s always been like that since the beginning.”
“I believe that whenever updates are brought to the car, they will be made available to both of us at the same time. Unlike other teams, where upgrades go first to one driver and then to the other. Mercedes wants to give both drivers the best chance of achieving the best result, and that will continue to be the case next year, regardless of who my teammate will be,” said Russell.
Despite initially being optimistic about the new car, Mercedes has been suffering in the current season. Hamilton lamented the inconsistency of the W15, which caused him to lag behind his teammate in the first few races.
However, the seven-time champion denied being unmotivated by Mercedes’ difficulties, highlighting the team’s unity as a positive factor.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to bring performance to the car,” he said. “Performance in the car and also for myself. I need to be self-critical about the last few races. Identify areas I need to improve. That’s how life works. Nobody is perfect all the time. Finding the right fit with the car is something we constantly strive for. George has done a great job, but he also has trouble finding that rapport.”
“What I love, even though we’re not fighting for wins right now, is the teamwork. The work that is being done behind the scenes, the conversations we have and how united we are. For me, it is a pleasure to work with these focused people who are all pulling in the same direction. At the moment, we are rowing against the current, but we will get there”, concluded Hamilton.
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