Russell issues message to Hamilton amid Ferrari F1 switch

George Russell has issued his first message to Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time World Champion's shock decision to leave the team.

Hamilton will depart Mercedes at the end of the upcoming campaign and join rivals Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc.

It has marked one of the biggest driver transfers in the sport's history.

Hamilton and Russell linked up at Mercedes in 2022 when the latter was promoted to the Brackley-based squad after three seasons at Williams.

Having already experienced two F1 seasons racing alongside Hamilton, Russell delivered a message on social media following the surprising news.

“It’s been special racing alongside you, Lewis Hamilton,” Russell wrote on social media. “Let’s make this season one to remember.”

Russell has been associated with Mercedes since 2017 and is currently contracted to race until the end of the 2025 season.