Russell warns competition: 'Fantastic atmosphere at Mercedes'

In the press release for the W16's digital launch, George Russell said, "I feel like last year was my strongest in F1. This coming season will be my seventh in the sport, and fourth with the works Mercedes team, and I'm working hard to improve year-on-year." He continued, "As a team, we are incredibly motivated to improve on last season. There is a great energy within the factories at Brackley and Brixworth so I'm eager to take to the track."

2025 is a big year for Mercedes as they also have a change in the line-up. Instead of Lewis Hamilton, there will be Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Russell is looking forward to that. "It's also exciting having a new team-mate in Kimi this year. He's incredibly quick and I think we will make a great partnership. Naturally, there is a lot for him to learn in his first season but I'm looking forward to helping him do that and working together to help push the team forward."

Russell's 2024 F1 season his strongest yet?

After the regulation changes in 2022, Mercedes has struggled to keep up with the competition. In 2024 they had been fighting alongside McLaren and Aston Martin in the lower part of the top 10, but as the season progressed, they made a few appearances on the podium. The season started to change around the Canadian Grand Prix, where Russell had his first podium finish last season.

While Russell finished on the top step of the podium just at Spa, just a few races later, he was stripped of his win due to his car not meeting the minimum weight limit. Russell ended the 2024 season in sixth place, beating his teammate, Hamilton. 

This article was written in collaboration with Kim Hoefnagel. 

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