George Russell Eyes F1 Title Fight as Mercedes’ Senior Driver After Lewis Hamilton’s Exit

George Russell is ready to take charge at Mercedes. With Lewis Hamilton leaving for Ferrari, Russell steps into the role of the Silver Arrows’ senior driver in 2025, confident that his time to fight for a World Championship is near. The Brit has already proven himself by outscoring Hamilton in two of their three seasons as teammates and making history as the first driver to beat the seven-time champion in the intra-team qualifying battle. Now, as the leader of Mercedes, Russell is determined to take the next step in his career.
After finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the 2024 standings and dominating their qualifying head-to-head with a 19-5 scoreline, Russell believes he has what it takes to challenge for the ultimate prize in Formula 1.
“I know my time will come,” Russell told BBC Sport. “And I've just got to ensure that I keep on performing. And whether it's this year or next year, it'll come.” Russell, who is entering his seventh season in Formula 1 and fourth with Mercedes, is confident that his performances against Hamilton are proof of his ability.
“If I keep delivering those results, as I did over these last three years against the best driver of all time, I believe I will get myself in the fight and hopefully a World Championship to my name.”
Russell acknowledges that sharing a garage with Hamilton was a tough challenge, but one that has reinforced his self-belief.
“The results speak for themselves. And I don't have anything I need to prove or show. I am proud of the results I've achieved going up against somebody like Lewis. At the end of 2021, statistically and in terms of perception, Lewis was the greatest of all time. And I've had three years against the greatest of all time, and I finished ahead of him two out of the three years I had as teammates. And finished ahead more times in 'quali' and more times in the race.
“If this was a different time or a different era, if you finish ahead of Lewis Hamilton, you're a World Champion.”
With Kimi Antonelli stepping up as his new teammate, Russell also recognizes the fresh challenge ahead but welcomes the change.
“This is turning a page. It's a new chapter. And I don't suddenly feel any additional responsibility,” he said about Hamilton’s departure.

Russell praised Antonelli’s raw speed but acknowledged that the 18-year-old will have a lot to learn in F1.
“He's a great kid. He's very young, but he's a really nice guy. Super-fast, of course. Being thrown in at the deep end, which is going to be a big challenge. But in terms of raw speed, I don't think you can question it. And there's going to be an interesting new dynamic.”
As Mercedes enters a new era, Russell has a golden opportunity to prove himself as the leader of the team and a genuine title contender. With the 2025 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether he can take Mercedes back to the top. One thing is certain: George Russell is ready for the fight.