GEORGE Russell believes Mercedes can start with a fresh piece of paper without Lewis Hamilton and says their relationship has improved.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton made the shock announcement in February that he would quit Mercedes following 11 years to replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
Mercedes has not yet announced the name of Hamilton’s replacement, but Russell will remain with the Silver Arrows next season.
The 26-year-old Briton said he thought the move would be good for Hamilton and would also allow Mercedes to move forward.
“I think the substitution for him was a positive thing, the substitution for us was positive,” Hamilton told AFP.
“This is a new piece of paper. Sometimes when you have so much success in the past, you lean on all the experiences from those winning days. But today is different,” he added.
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Russell also said he was shocked, like everyone else, when he heard regarding Hamilton’s move.
But he thinks the earlier announcement has brought clarity to the situation. He said that Hamilton’s departure would not weaken their working relationship.
“If anything, I can say that things are getting better, to be honest. Of course, we’re in different situations, but I think Lewis is very rational and constructive and objective when we talk to the team, with his feedback. That’s just the thing that positive,” he said.
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Several drivers have been linked with a move to replace Hamilton at Mercedes next season.
Red Bull’s three-time world champion Max Verstappen is reportedly top of team principal Toto Wolff’s wish list. Highly rated young Italian riders Kimi Antonelli and Mick Schumacher have also been mentioned.
Russell said he had explained his choice to Mercedes officials and believed he might become world champion with the team.
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“I believe in Mercedes, I believe in myself. This is a long journey, but I’m sure we will all get the opportunity someday,” he said.
Mercedes had a bad start to the season. Hamilton suffered engine failure while Russell escaped unscathed from a huge crash late in the race as the team finished outside the points for the first time in 62 races. (AFP/Z-8)
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