Russell reflects on Hamilton leaving: 'We're looking forward at Mercedes'
F1 News
While Andrea Kimi Antonelli topped the first pre-season test session in Bahrain, George Russell is waiting for his moment to drive the car later on this afternoon. Beforehand, the Briton reflected on what does Lewis Hamilton leaving mean for Mercedes, after the seven-time world champion also already drove for Ferrari today.
Mercedes 'excited for next chapter' says Russell
"Naturally, it does feel different, of course. Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track," Russell began in Bahrain. "But I think everybody within the team is sort of very much excited for this next chapter, really."
The first session has been a positive one for the Germans, as their driver, Antonelli could set the fastest time on Wednesday morning. Hamilton himself set the fifth quickest time, even though individual lap times are hardly representative in this moment of time.
"And I guess, as the team may look back on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have had that chance. Being his teammate 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," Russell reflected on no longer being Hamilton's teammate.
The Briton also underlined that the team now focus on how they themselves progress entering the season. "Then you're looking forward to the next journey. So it's very much for us at Mercedes, we're looking forward and not backwards," he concluded.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!