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 thus far didn’t ship the outcomes each he and the Scuderia hoped for — and former teammate George Russell believes the Italian staff might have made the incorrect name. Because the Briton continues to underperform within the scarlet pink, George Russell hinted that Ferrari would probably choose 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 practically 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, together with his finest end being a fourth place at Imola.
Charles Leclerc, against this, has been persistently forward of his Maranello teammate in qualifying and on race day, profitable their head-to-head battles 7–1 in each classes. Ferrari’s inner expectations for Hamilton seem to have been larger, and studies recommend there may be rising disappointment inside Maranello relating to his efficiency.
George Russell weighed in on the matter throughout a dialogue with Mundo Deportivo, suggesting that Ferrari — and certainly any prime staff — would select Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton in a heartbeat if the reigning world champion had been obtainable. He made it clear that he noticed nothing disrespectful in staff bosses like Toto Wolff expressing curiosity within the four-time System 1 world champion, stating that if he had been in Wolff’s place and had the chance to decide on any driver on the grid, Verstappen can be on the prime of the record alongside himself.
The Mercedes man added that Ferrari, in his opinion, would additionally choose to pair Max Verstappen with Charles Leclerc if given the prospect. George Russell famous that even McLaren would face a tough dilemma if they’d the prospect to signal the Dutchman, probably having to decide on between dropping Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri — a choice no staff would take frivolously. In his view, Max Verstappen can be the primary selection for each staff 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 via 2028, it accommodates an exit clause that would permit him to depart after the 2025 season if he falls outdoors the highest three within the drivers’ standings. Nevertheless, 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, partly attributable to issues over how influential Adrian Newey will probably be within the staff’s 2026 automotive growth beneath the brand new System 1 rules. Whereas Aston Martin continues to construct its long-term challenge, 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 ultimate levels.
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