George Russell shared the valuable lesson he gleaned from his former colleague Lewis Hamilton – the paramount importance of prioritizing winning above all else. The Mercedes star driver has evolved into an adept team leader following the departure of the seven-time world champion last winter.
Throughout their three-year tenure as Mercedes teammates, Russell challenged Hamilton’s performance rigorously. With Kimi Antonelli taking on the mantle from the veteran driver at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Russell, hailing from Norfolk, has been tasked with elevating his own performances to new heights.
And he has risen to the occasion. With only six races left in the 2025 season, Russell stands out as one of the few drivers, alongside Max Verstappen and the McLaren duo, to secure a Grand Prix victory. His triumphs in Montreal and Singapore have underscored his talent and determination on the track.
Russell attributes part of his success to the wisdom imparted by Hamilton. Reflecting on his former teammate, Russell expressed admiration for Hamilton’s unrelenting pursuit of greatness, likening it to the aspirations of iconic figures like Michael Jordan. The essence of his learning from Hamilton boils down to a singular mantra – prioritizing victory above all else.
Looking ahead, Russell envisions a future where he holds the power of choice, just as Hamilton has bestowed upon himself. Building a strong foundation now, Russell aims to be in control of his fate in the sport as he ages, ensuring that his Formula One journey is dictated by his own decisions, not external factors like performance decline or lifestyle constraints.
Continuing his F1 journey with Mercedes into the upcoming technical regulation era, Russell recently inked a lucrative multi-year deal worth approximately £30 million per season. His commitment to growth and longevity in the sport remains unwavering as he navigates the competitive landscape of Formula One.