George Russell's Frank Assessment of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Debut
George Russell has offered a remarkably candid perspective on Lewis Hamilton's challenging inaugural season with Ferrari, characterising the 2025 campaign as a "stinker" while simultaneously affirming his deep and enduring respect for the seven-time world champion. The Mercedes driver's comments were featured in a recently released episode of the popular Netflix documentary series, Drive to Survive, providing a fresh insight into their professional relationship following Hamilton's high-profile switch to the Scuderia.
A Partnership Built on Mutual Admiration
Joining Mercedes as Hamilton's teammate at the start of the 2022 season represented a childhood dream realised for Russell, who had long idolised the British racing icon. Over their three seasons together at the Silver Arrows, from 2022 through 2024, the pair consistently demonstrated a strong mutual admiration, maintaining a largely cordial partnership even as competitive tensions naturally arose on the track. This foundation of respect remained evident despite Hamilton's decision to depart for the historic Italian rival, Ferrari, ahead of the 2025 season.
Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles and Russell's Reaction
The 2025 season proved disastrous for Hamilton at Ferrari. Struggling with the underperforming SF-25 car, he failed to secure a single podium finish throughout the entire Grand Prix calendar, appearing increasingly dejected as the year progressed. His frustrations were frequently aired over team radio, where he oscillated between criticising his race engineer and blaming himself, even going so far as to label himself "useless" and suggest Ferrari should consider replacing him. Hamilton later described the season as his "worst ever," a sentiment Russell was quick to acknowledge.
In the documentary, Russell is shown stating: "I love Lewis. I have so much respect for him, but I think it’s no secret he’s having a bit of a stinker, and it’s a bit tough to see." Observers note that Russell's tone and their established relationship indicate this was not a malicious critique, but rather an expression of genuine concern and perhaps distress at seeing Hamilton in such a dire competitive situation.
Underlying Tensions and Professional Rivalry
Despite the clear respect between them, their time as teammates was not without moments of friction, exacerbated by Mercedes' struggles to keep pace with the dominant Red Bull team. Russell outperformed Hamilton in the championship standings in two of their three seasons together, including his debut year. One notable flashpoint occurred during qualifying for the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix, when Russell was left fuming over an on-track incident, exclaiming over team radio: "What the f*** was Lewis doing, prepping that lap?" He later downplayed the event, attributing it to the heat of competition.
A further potential source of strain emerged from Hamilton's decision to announce his move to Ferrari during the 2024 season, while still racing for Mercedes. This bold move later led Hamilton to suggest, in a moment of frustration, that Mercedes was showing preferential treatment to Russell. Specifically, he referenced missing out on a new front wing that was given to Russell when only one was available. Russell dismissed these comments, suggesting they were made in the heat of the moment and that both drivers received equal treatment from the team.
A Subdued Rivalry by F1 Standards
By the intense standards of Formula 1, where teammate rivalries have historically erupted into major conflicts, the dynamic between Russell and Hamilton has been notably subdued. This is particularly striking given Hamilton's past, more contentious relationships with certain former teammates. Russell's recent comments underscore a relationship built on a foundation of respect that has weathered competitive pressures and a significant team change. As both drivers look ahead to the 2026 season, Russell will undoubtedly be among those hoping for a improved performance from Hamilton—provided, of course, that he himself remains ahead on the circuit.
