George Russell recently shared a valuable lesson he learned from his former teammate Lewis Hamilton – the importance of prioritizing winning above all else. Following Hamilton’s departure last winter, Russell has evolved into a strong team leader for Mercedes. During their time together at Mercedes, Russell challenged Hamilton, and now, with a new teammate, he has elevated his performance significantly.
Russell’s growth is evident as he stands out as one of the few drivers, alongside Max Verstappen and the McLaren duo, to have secured Grand Prix victories in the current season. Reflecting on his progress, Russell acknowledged the influence Hamilton had on his mindset over the years. In an article for The Players’ Tribune, Russell expressed his admiration for Hamilton’s achievements and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Looking ahead, Russell is focused on building a solid foundation for his future in Formula One. He aims to have the freedom to choose his path in the sport as he ages, without being dictated by declining performance or other external factors. With a new multi-year contract worth around £30 million per season, Russell is set to continue his F1 journey with Mercedes through the upcoming technical regulation changes.
As Russell prepares for the next phase of his career, his determination to follow in Hamilton’s footsteps while shaping his own legacy remains a driving force in his pursuit of success.