George Russell Suggests Ferrari Could Remorse Signing Lewis Hamilton Over Max Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton’s extremely anticipated change to Ferrari for the 2025 System 1 season has to date did not ship the outcomes each he and the Scuderia hoped for — and former teammate George Russell believes the Italian crew could have made the mistaken name. Because the Briton continues to underperform within the scarlet crimson, George Russell hinted that Ferrari would seemingly want Max Verstappen alongside Charles Leclerc if given the selection.
Russell and Hamilton beforehand shared three seasons at Mercedes, from 2022 to 2024, following the youthful Briton’s promotion to the Silver Arrows to switch Valtteri Bottas. Throughout their time as teammates, Russell usually proved to be a formidable match. He outqualified Hamilton in 39 of their 68 races and beat him to the chequered flag in 30 of the 58 Grands Prix each completed. Their factors tally was additionally almost an identical, with Hamilton scoring 697 to Russell’s 695.
Now established as Mercedes’ lead driver for the 2025 marketing campaign alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell is flourishing in his new position. In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton, now 40, has discovered it tough to settle into life at Ferrari. After eight rounds of the season, the seven-time world champion has but to face on the rostrum, along with his finest end being a fourth place at Imola.
Charles Leclerc, against this, has been constantly forward of his Maranello teammate in qualifying and on race day, successful their head-to-head battles 7–1 in each classes. Ferrari’s inside expectations for Hamilton seem to have been increased, and experiences counsel there may be rising disappointment inside Maranello concerning his efficiency.
George Russell weighed in on the matter throughout a dialogue with Mundo Deportivo, suggesting that Ferrari — and certainly any high crew — would select Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton in a heartbeat if the reigning world champion have been obtainable. He made it clear that he noticed nothing disrespectful in crew bosses like Toto Wolff expressing curiosity within the four-time System 1 world champion, stating that if he have been in Wolff’s place and had the chance to decide on any driver on the grid, Verstappen could be on the high of the checklist alongside himself.
The Mercedes man added that Ferrari, in his opinion, would additionally want to pair Max Verstappen with Charles Leclerc if given the prospect. George Russell famous that even McLaren would face a tough dilemma if that they had the prospect to signal the Dutchman, seemingly having to decide on between dropping Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri — a call no crew would take calmly. In his view, Max Verstappen could be the primary alternative for each crew on the grid heading into the 2026 F1 season.
Max Verstappen Anticipated to Keep at Crimson Bull Regardless of Contract Exit Clause
Though Max Verstappen’s contract with Crimson Bull runs by way of 2028, it comprises an exit clause that might permit him to go away after the 2025 season if he falls outdoors the highest three within the drivers’ standings. Nonetheless, all indicators at the moment level to the Dutchman remaining with the Milton Keynes squad, no matter whether or not the clause turns into lively.
Rumours linking the Dutchman with Aston Martin have cooled, partially because of considerations over how influential Adrian Newey will probably be within the crew’s 2026 automotive improvement below the brand new System 1 rules. Whereas Aston Martin continues to construct its long-term undertaking, Max Verstappen seems unconvinced that their package deal will probably be sturdy sufficient to tempt him away from Crimson Bull.
In the meantime, George Russell is anticipated to signal a brand new contract with Mercedes price a reported £46 million over two years. His present deal expires on the finish of the 2025 season, however his sturdy performances — together with 4 podium finishes and a runner-up lead to Bahrain — have all however secured his future with the Silver Arrows. Although the settlement has not but been formally introduced, it’s understood to be within the remaining levels.
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