Russell’s ‘bombshell’ new reveal about Lewis Hamilton to…read more
In a recent revelation, George Russell shared his surprise at hearing the news of Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming move to Ferrari, describing it as a “total bombshell.” Russell, who had no prior inkling of the shift, was taken aback by the announcement that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes, the team where he secured six of his seven World Championships. Unlike team principal Toto Wolff, who had been informed early, Russell had no idea about Hamilton’s plans until the news broke publicly.
Ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Hamilton activated a release clause in his Mercedes contract, marking the upcoming season as his last with the team. Wolff explained that when they re-signed Hamilton’s contract, they opted for a shorter-term deal, knowing the possibility of such a departure was always on the table. However, Wolff didn’t expect the news to break so suddenly.
Wolff recalled how the news came to him, saying, “We got together for coffee in my place in Oxford, and he returned to the factory, and he told me he’d decided to race for Ferrari in 2025.” Their conversation lasted about an hour, during which Hamilton revealed his decision, and Wolff noted that it was a calm discussion. Wolff had heard rumors a couple of days prior but waited until the breakfast meeting to discuss it with Hamilton.
The news of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari became public the following day, but Russell, who shares a teammate relationship with Hamilton at Mercedes, was in the dark about the decision until it was revealed. When asked in an interview about when he first heard about the possibility of Hamilton leaving, Russell admitted he hadn’t heard any prior whispers. He described it as “quite surprising” and noted that such significant changes in the team typically leak to the media before the official announcement. He expressed his astonishment at how it remained under wraps until the big reveal.
Russell acknowledged that changes like these are inevitable and that they come with a purpose. He also reflected on the future of Formula 1, which is entering a new era, and he sees Hamilton’s decision as part of the growing expansion of the sport. Russell added that the news was great for Formula 1 as it continues to evolve and gain popularity, signaling the start of a new chapter in the sport. Despite the unexpected nature of Hamilton’s departure, Russell seemed optimistic about the changes that lie ahead, both for him personally and for the sport.
