02 February 2024 , 12:37
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George Russell wants to make his final season racing alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes one to remember.
The seven-times world champion saw his move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season confirmed on Thursday as he departs the Brackley-based constructor after more than a decade. Russell has partnered Hamilton since 2022 after replacing Valterri Bottas.
Hamilton, 39, is set to link up with Frederic Vasseur, a figure who helped start him on his journey to Formula 1 in 2005. Ferrari's newest acquisition has committed to a 'multi-year contract' to partner Charles Leclerc after a final season with Mercedes.
That will see Russell require a new team-mate to challenge at the top. The British pairing finished third in their debut season together before ending 2023 as runners-up to Red Bull in the Constructors Standings.
Russell has proved his mettle against an F1 legend during their short time together and hopes to do something special alongside Hamilton in their final term. He said on Instagram: "It’s been special racing alongside you, @lewishamilton. Let’s make this season one to remember."
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The 25-year-old's ambition seems to be shared with the veteran racer. While paying tribute to his time at Mercedes, Hamilton outlined his target for a final year.
He said: "I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.
"It's a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge.
"I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto (Wolff, Mercedes' team principal) for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together. I am 100 per cent committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember."