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Russell’s ‘bombshell’ new reveal about Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari

Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, was aware that Lewis Hamilton was planning to leave the team for Ferrari in 2025, but George Russell had no clue about this major change until it was officially revealed. For Russell, the news was a complete shock, as he had no prior inkling that Hamilton would be leaving after more than a decade with Mercedes. Hamilton’s departure was a bombshell, as the announcement was made public just a day after he personally informed Wolff about his decision.

Hamilton had a release clause in his Mercedes contract, which he activated, signaling that the 2024 season would be his last with the team where he won six of his seven World Championships. Wolff explained that when Hamilton’s contract was re-signed, they opted for a shorter-term agreement, which left open the possibility of such a decision. Wolff mentioned that he had heard rumors about Hamilton potentially leaving a few days before their scheduled breakfast meeting, which took place in Oxford. During this meeting, Hamilton confirmed that he had decided to move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Wolff and Hamilton had an hour-long conversation, but Wolff’s awareness of the move did not extend beyond this private discussion, with the announcement becoming public the following day.

Russell, who had been Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes for three seasons, was caught off guard by the news. When asked about when he first heard the rumor, Russell clarified that it wasn’t even a whisper he had heard beforehand. The suddenness of the announcement was a surprise to him, as major team decisions like this usually start to leak into the media in some form. Despite the shock, Russell acknowledged that such changes were part of the natural progression of the sport. He expressed optimism about the future, saying that Formula 1 was entering a new era, and that this change would bring new opportunities for everyone involved.

Reflecting on his time as Hamilton’s teammate, Russell described it as a great experience. He noted that racing alongside a seven-time World Champion provided a unique opportunity to showcase his skills, while also learning from Hamilton’s approach to both racing and team dynamics. Russell admired how Hamilton maintained morale during tough times, interacted with the fans, and kept his focus on the team despite the immense pressure he faced as one of the most famous figures in motorsport.

Russell also recognized that Hamilton’s departure marked the end of an era for Mercedes. However, he viewed it as an exciting opportunity not just for Hamilton, but also for himself and the rest of the Mercedes team. The team’s decision to promote 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli from Formula 2 to replace Hamilton was seen as a step toward the future. Russell would now take on the role of the experienced driver for Mercedes as they prepare for the 2025 season, which would see a new chapter in the team’s history with Antonelli joining as a risin

g star.