Russell declares ‘end of a chapter’ as Hamilton makes official Ferrari debut

George Russell has stated it is the “end of a chapter” after Lewis Hamilton took to the race track in an official session with Ferrari for the first time.

Hamilton has taken part in several private tests with the Italian squad ahead of his first season with his new team - however pre-season testing marks his maiden outing in an F1 session this year.

The seven-time champion enjoyed a highly successful stint with Mercedes from 2013 to 2024 but opted to make the switch to Ferrari for the upcoming campaign.

Hamilton drove the SF-25 during the opening morning of pre-season testing from Bahrain on Wednesday, clocking 70 laps.

“Naturally, it does feel different,” Russell told RacingNews365 when asked if the feeling inside Mercedes has changed.

“Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track.”

Hamilton has been replaced by rookie Kimi Antonelli, who has been part of the Mercedes junior programme for several years.

With Russell now stepping up to a team leader position, the 27-year-old declared the team is eagerly anticipating its new era.

“Everybody within the team is very much excited for this next chapter,” Russell said.

“As the team we may look back on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have had that chance of being his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him, but also going head to head with him directly for three years. 

“It kind of feels like the end of a chapter but then you're looking forward to the next journey. 

“So very much for Mercedes, we're looking forward and not backwards.”