P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has declared that Mercedes is “looking forwards, not backwards” as it embarks upon a new era in the 2025 F1 season without Lewis Hamilton.
The upcoming campaign will be the first since 2012 where Lewis Hamilton is not with Mercedes, the team with which he achieved six Drivers’ Championships and 84 victories. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged the unusual pre-season without Hamilton, who has moved to Ferrari. This change has had a significant impact on George Russell, who is now seen as the team leader at Mercedes alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Despite the shifting atmosphere, Russell emphasized that Mercedes is focused on looking ahead to championship contention in 2025 rather than dwelling on the past. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Hamilton and engage in direct competition, viewing it as the end of one chapter and the beginning of another journey at Mercedes. Russell believes that Antonelli’s speed poses an internal threat and is prepared for the challenge of pushing each other towards success.
