George Russell Suggests Ferrari Could Remorse Signing Lewis Hamilton Over Max Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton’s extremely anticipated swap to Ferrari for the 2025 Method 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 crew could have made the flawed name. Because the Briton continues to underperform within the scarlet purple, 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 typically 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 equivalent, 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 troublesome 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 persistently 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 larger, and experiences recommend there’s 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 Method 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 can be on the high of the checklist alongside himself.
The Mercedes man added that Ferrari, in his opinion, would additionally choose to pair Max Verstappen with Charles Leclerc if given the possibility. George Russell famous that even McLaren would face a troublesome dilemma if they’d the possibility to signal the Dutchman, probably having to decide on between dropping Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri — a choice no crew would take evenly. In his view, Max Verstappen can be the primary selection for each crew on the grid heading into the 2026 F1 season.
Max Verstappen Anticipated to Keep at Purple Bull Regardless of Contract Exit Clause
Though Max Verstappen’s contract with Purple Bull runs by means of 2028, it comprises an exit clause that would enable him to go away after the 2025 season if he falls exterior the highest three within the drivers’ standings. Nonetheless, all indicators at present level to the Dutchman remaining with the Milton Keynes squad, no matter whether or not the clause turns into energetic.
Rumours linking the Dutchman with Aston Martin have cooled, partly resulting from issues over how influential Adrian Newey might be within the crew’s 2026 automobile growth underneath the brand new Method 1 laws. Whereas Aston Martin continues to construct its long-term undertaking, Max Verstappen seems unconvinced that their bundle might be robust sufficient to tempt him away from Purple Bull.
In the meantime, George Russell is anticipated to signal a brand new contract with Mercedes value a reported £46 million over two years. His present deal expires on the finish of the 2025 season, however his robust 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 last levels.
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