Russell Believes Many Elite Racers Aim For Hamilton Seats In Mercedes Team

Mercedes racer George Russell while competing at the Abu Dhabi F1 GP at the Yas Marina Circuit, Emirati, November 26, 2023. (Between/AFP/JEWEL SAMAD)

JAKARTA - A seat in the Mercedes team that Lewis Hamilton will leave in the 2025 season is believed by George Russell to be in demand by many elite riders.

Hamilton himself has officially announced that he will move to the Ferrari team and become co-team mate Charles Leclerc in the coming year.

We've talked a lot and I've been spending time with Toto (Wolff, Mercedes team leader) during the winter break. Looking at the names of the riders who appeared on his cellphone was a fun thing for me. I also got some phone calls and text messages (from other racers)," said Russell, quoted from the official Formula 1 website, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, March 16.

"This is an interesting thing. But, as a team, we have the opportunity and the position to step into the next round, after feeling successful over the years with Lewis," he added.

Several names of racers have recently emerged to replace Hamilton in the Silver Arrows team in the coming season.

The name defending champion Max Verstappen is also on the rumor list, following the Red Bull Boss Christian Horner scandal that affected the stability and cohesiveness of the team recently.

However, Russell admits he is not worried and has no specific criteria regarding who will be his team-mate next year. I have partnered with one of the greatest riders of all time over these two years and I have no specific considerations regarding who will replace him, "said Russell.

"Whether it will be an experienced racer or a young racer, I feel that I am in a good position to encourage the team to advance even further in this new chapter," the Briton added.

However, Russell did not deny that cohesiveness between the two riders and the team was the most important thing to maintain.

"I think it's an important thing in all teams, where the two riders have a harmonious relationship, because it will also affect the team's performance in general," said Russell.