Russell CLARIFIES Verstappen Over Hamilton Not D…

Russell CLARIFIES Verstappen Over Hamilton Not D…read more.

In a candid statement that has already stirred considerable discussion among Formula 1 fans and pundits alike, Mercedes driver George Russell recently clarified his position on a hypothetical teammate preference between reigning world champion Max Verstappen and his current teammate, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. While such comments are always bound to ignite reactions from fans of both drivers, Russell was careful to emphasize that his remarks were based purely on performance metrics and not personal sentiment.

Speaking openly, Russell stated that if he were given the opportunity to choose between Verstappen and Hamilton as a teammate based strictly on current form, he would lean toward Verstappen. The 26-year-old Briton made it clear that this decision was not intended to diminish Hamilton’s legacy or undermine the enormous impact the veteran driver has had on the sport. Instead, Russell pointed out that in his view, Verstappen is currently performing at an exceptionally high level, which in turn justifies his reasoning.

Russell stressed that any preference he might express does not negate the incredible achievements of Lewis Hamilton, whose career includes a record-tying seven world championships, over 100 Grand Prix victories, and a lasting influence on and off the track. “Lewis is one of the greatest drivers of all time,” Russell acknowledged. “There’s no question about that. But when you look at pure performance in recent seasons, Max has been nearly flawless.”

Indeed, Verstappen has been in dominant form, particularly over the past few seasons. Since clinching his first world title in 2021 following a fiercely contested season with Hamilton, the Dutch driver has gone on to establish an era of dominance with Red Bull Racing. In 2022 and 2023, Verstappen racked up consecutive championships with unprecedented consistency and race-winning speed, setting new benchmarks in points and wins during a single season.

Russell’s comments come at a time when the Mercedes team is striving to return to its former dominance. After nearly a decade of supremacy, the team has faced challenges under the new technical regulations introduced in 2022. Both Hamilton and Russell have had to battle with an underperforming car relative to Red Bull’s RB19 and RB20, which have showcased impressive pace and reliability. Despite the difficulties, Russell has often matched or even outperformed Hamilton in qualifying sessions and races, further fueling the intra-team rivalry narrative.

The young British driver emphasized that his statement should not be twisted to suggest any rift between him and Hamilton. On the contrary, Russell spoke highly of the working relationship he shares with the seven-time champion. “We’ve built a strong dynamic within the team. I’ve learned a lot from Lewis, and we push each other to improve every weekend,” Russell said. “But when you’re asked a question about form, about who’s at the absolute peak right now, you have to answer honestly.”

Russell’s remarks reflect a broader trend within Formula 1 discussions, where comparisons between drivers often focus on current performance over career achievements. With Verstappen winning races consistently and appearing almost untouchable in race conditions, many drivers and analysts regard him as the benchmark in today’s grid.

Still, Russell’s openness is refreshing in a sport often filled with diplomatic answers and guarded responses. His willingness to share an honest assessment—while also showing respect for Hamilton—offers insight into the mindset of a highly competitive athlete who is focused on both present realities and future ambitions.

As the 2025 season progresses, it remains to be seen how this dynamic within Mercedes will unfold, particularly as Hamilton prepares to depart the team at the end of the year for a new chapter with Ferrari. In the meantime, fans can expect continued speculation, debate, and high-stakes racing as Russell and Verstappen continue to shape the present and future of Formula 1.