George Russell shares surprising take on time with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

George Russell joined the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team in 2022, entering a dominant environment shaped by Lewis Hamilton’s historic success. At the time, Hamilton was already a multiple-time world champion, and Russell proved to be an excellent addition, serving as a reliable teammate and playing a key role in the team’s continued dominance. His arrival helped bolster Mercedes’ campaign as Hamilton pursued one of his seven world titles.

Mercedes had been one of the most successful teams of the 2010s, with Hamilton as its centerpiece. In Russell’s first season, his contributions were crucial to securing the Constructors’ Championship. Given the momentum and team strength, many believed Russell was on track to achieve even greater personal success.

For any Formula 1 driver, the ultimate goal is to win a world championship. Russell joined Mercedes with that ambition in mind. However, being Hamilton’s teammate came with immense pressure and expectations. During his initial years, Russell’s role was often secondary, limiting his chances to truly lead the charge.
Now three years into his journey with Mercedes, Russell reflected on his early path in F1.

Speaking ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, he suggested that his timing may have cost him greater accolades. “If my time had come five years earlier, you could argue I’d have two championships to my name,” Russell told reporters during media day. His comments reveal a growing hunger to step out of Hamilton’s shadow and claim his own legacy in the sport.

George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Russell’s impact since joining Formula 1

It’s not far-fetched to believe Russell could have been a world champion if he had debuted in Formula 1 five years earlier. Since stepping into the sport in 2022, the British driver has delivered impressive performances that have solidified his status, and reportedly earned him a new deal with Mercedes.

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Russell’s rookie season was one of the most promising in recent memory. In 2022, he claimed his first Grand Prix victory, earned a pole position, and finished fourth in the drivers’ standings. Let’s take a closer look at what he’s achieved so far with Mercedes.

• 2022 (Mercedes)
  • Starts: 22
  • Wins: 1 (São Paulo Grand Prix)
  • Podiums: 8
  • Pole Positions: 1 (Hungarian Grand Prix)
  • Fastest Laps: 4
  • Points: 275
  • Best Finish: 1st
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 4th
• 2023 (Mercedes)
  • Starts: 22
  • Wins: 0
  • Podiums: 2
  • Pole Positions: 0
  • Fastest Laps: 1
  • Points: 175
  • Best Finish: 3rd
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 8th
• 2024 (Mercedes)
  • Starts: 24
  • Wins: 2 (Austrian Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix)
  • Podiums: 4
  • Pole Positions: 4
  • Fastest Laps: 2
  • Points: 245
  • Best Finish: 1st
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 6th
• 2025 (Mercedes) — As of April 30, 2025
  • Starts: 5
  • Wins: 0
  • Podiums: 3
  • Pole Positions: 0
  • Fastest Laps: 0
  • Points: 73
  • Best Finish: 3rd
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 4th

Hamilton debuts fresh look ahead of Miami Grand Prix

After an illustrious run with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton is now focused on his next chapter with Ferrari. Despite a challenging start to the 2025 season, the seven-time world champion is aiming for a standout performance at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, and he’ll do so with a bold new look.

Hamilton, alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, will sport a striking blue-and-white race suit as Ferrari seeks a return to the podium. With McLaren and Red Bull off to strong starts, Ferrari hopes the symbolic change will mark a turning point in their campaign.