Russell delivers shock verdict on Hamilton's Ferrari move

George Russell believes there is “no way” Lewis Hamilton would have decided to leave the Mercedes team if it previously held its current run of form.

Prior to the start of the campaign, Hamilton confirmed he would exit Mercedes at the end of the season and join Ferrari on a multi-year deal.

The decision came after two seasons of challenges with Mercedes slipping back in the pecking order following a period of dominance.

However, the Brackley-based squad has taken steps forward of late, allowing Hamilton to return to winning ways at the British Grand Prix earlier this month.

With momentum on its side, Russell suggested Hamilton would have taken a different approach if Mercedes was performing at its current level before the start of the year.

“I don’t think he would have left if the team was performing like this. No way he would have left, for sure not," Russell told Reuters.

"For 2026 the PU (power unit)’s looking really strong and everything we’re doing with the fuels is looking great and there’s a lot of optimism for us over the next couple of years.

"As tough as these last few years have been, it really feels like we’ve got the momentum with us now."

Hamilton wants 'fastest car possible'

Hamilton's switch to Ferrari will see him end his 12-season stint with the Brackley-based squad, with whom he won six world championships.

The Italian squad started the year in strong fashion but has endured a dip in performance of late.

While Russell understands Hamilton's desire to change environment before calling time on his F1 career, he suspects the seven-time world champion would choose the fastest available car over any other option.

"I think everybody wants change at some point," Russell said. 

"He’s been here 12 years now, he’s achieved so much with the team. I think for him it’s exciting to have that change.

"But of course if the team you’re currently with are winning races and everything is looking super-great for the future, you just want to be in the fastest car possible and it doesn’t matter what colour that is."