Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes presents an opportunity for George Russell to emerge as the team leader next season, according to Martin Brundle.
Hamilton and Russell have been teammates for three years, with Russell joining Mercedes from Williams in 2022.
Despite Hamilton often outperforming Russell in 2023, Russell secured a victory in Brazil in 2022, marking his success in the current ground-effect regulation era.
Acknowledging Russell’s occasional struggles in 2023, Brundle believes he is more than capable of stepping up as team leader in Hamilton’s absence.
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Reflecting on Hamilton’s move to Ferrari after over a decade with Mercedes, Brundle, speaking on the Sky F1 podcast ahead of the 2024 season, suggested that Mercedes need not rush into finding Hamilton’s replacement, as Russell is poised to take on the role effectively.
Brundle expressed his confidence in Russell’s abilities, stating, “I think George Russell has got the shiny confidence, the talent, the speed, the experience to pick up the mantle and be the number one driver at Mercedes. I do not doubt that at all.”
With McLaren securing Lando Norris on a long-term contract, Brundle’s colleague Rachel Brookes emphasised the importance for promising British drivers like Russell and Norris to assert themselves within their respective teams.
Brundle noted that Mercedes has various options to consider for Hamilton’s replacement, including up-and-coming talent like Kimi Antonelli, who joins Formula 2 with Prema this season, as well as established drivers like Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Mick Schumacher.
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However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stressed the need to carefully evaluate their options, citing Russell’s exceptional talent and intelligence behind the wheel.
Wolff stated, “We just need to make the right choice for the second seat. That’s not something I want to be rushed in.”
Hamilton’s departure is expected to bring renewed energy to both Mercedes and Ferrari, with Brundle anticipating heightened excitement surrounding the sport.