George Russell Jokes About ‘Real Reason’ Behind Lewis H…read more
George Russell has lightheartedly revealed what he jokingly describes as the “real reason” behind Lewis Hamilton’s sensational departure from Mercedes at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, ended his 12-year stint with the Brackley-based team to pursue what he called a “childhood dream” by joining Ferrari. The move marked a major shift in the Formula 1 landscape, as Hamilton sought to revive his championship-winning form with the Maranello squad and chase an elusive eighth world title.
While Hamilton’s decision was primarily motivated by sporting ambition and the allure of Ferrari’s legacy, his former team-mate George Russell couldn’t resist poking fun at one of Hamilton’s more relatable habits during a recent appearance on Formula 1’s official YouTube channel. In a video segment where drivers were asked about red flags in team-mate behavior, Russell jokingly pointed to Hamilton’s loud music as a persistent issue.
“Big red flag,” Russell said, chuckling. “I mean, I’ve had that for three years! That’s the real reason Lewis had to leave, the music was too loud.”
The comment, delivered with a smile, highlights the playful dynamic between the two British drivers, who shared a relatively harmonious partnership during their three seasons together at Mercedes. Though Russell and Hamilton were rivals on track, they also shared mutual respect and contributed to a positive team environment amid a challenging period for the once-dominant outfit.
Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 after a promising stint with Williams, arriving at a team that had just secured its eighth consecutive constructors’ championship. Hopes were high that the all-British line-up could sustain Mercedes’ dominance. However, the 2022–2024 seasons saw a dramatic shift in F1’s competitive order, with Red Bull’s resurgence and McLaren’s rise limiting Mercedes’ success.
Despite the struggles, Russell managed to carve out a name for himself. Now in his fourth season with Mercedes, the 27-year-old has firmly established himself as the team’s leader following Hamilton’s departure. In 2025, Russell has already secured four podium finishes and sits fourth in the drivers’ championship standings — an impressive 40 points ahead of his former team-mate.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has found the transition to Ferrari more difficult than anticipated. Although joining the iconic team was a dream move, his early-season form has left much to be desired. Ferrari has yet to provide a consistently competitive car in 2025, leaving Hamilton trailing behind in both race pace and championship points.
Between 2022 and 2024, the Hamilton-Russell pairing brought Mercedes a handful of highlights. Russell captured three Grand Prix wins, while Hamilton secured two — a modest haul compared to their team’s past glories. Still, both drivers showed resilience and tenacity amid intense development challenges and shifting regulations.
Looking ahead, the upcoming regulation changes expected in 2026 offer both drivers renewed hope. Mercedes is determined to return to title contention with Russell at the helm, while Hamilton remains optimistic that Ferrari can deliver a championship-caliber car before his illustrious career draws to a close.
While Russell’s jab about Hamilton’s loud music is clearly tongue-in-cheek, it serves as a reminder of the lighter side of Formula 1’s intensely competitive world. It also underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect that continues between the two drivers, even as they now race in different colors.
Both British stars remain key figures in the sport, and fans will be watching closely to see how their respective journeys unfold throughout the 2025 season and beyond.
