SUMMARY
- Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes left Toto Wolff absolutely perplexed.
- George Russell reveals the Austrian billionaire's reaction to the massive Hamilton news.
It has undeniably been a chaotic start to 2024 for the eight-time constructors’ champion Mercedes. Heading into the new year, the Brackley outfit had everything sorted, including its contract with both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. It almost seemed the former was prepared to hang his boots following the 2025 F1 season, surrounded by the crew that made him the legend he is today.
However, what followed was a shocking turn of events which almost immediately destroyed the optimistic mindset within Mercedes. The entire squad was left squabbling for hope after their biggest treasure, Hamilton, pulled off a mind-boggling move to Scuderia Ferrari. Unfortunately for Wolff and Russell, the two Mercedes stars were forced to learn about this the hard way.
While initially, Wolff admitted that he was one of the first ones to know about Hamilton’s departure, Russell has now uncovered a fresh perspective on this rather intriguing story. Turns out, the Briton was after all with Wolff until the night before the seven-time world champion’s massive revelation.
And on the following day, a random event inadvertently softened the blow for Russell, as the one-time race winner had to leave Wolff and Hamilton to themselves.
George Russell uncovers the events that unfolded on the big Lewis Hamilton day
Russell revealed that, soon after Wolff’s breakfast with Hamilton, the Austrian immediately called him up with a surprised tone. “I stayed at Toto’s the night before and Lewis came over for breakfast the following day so I thought – you know, it’s probably the first time they’ve seen each other all year, I had an event to go to [so] I left early,” he said.
#F1 | George Russell on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari: “I stayed at Toto’s the night before and Lewis came over for breakfast the following day so I thought – you know, it’s probably the first time they’ve seen each other all year, I had an event to go to [so] I left early.”… pic.twitter.com/ZQUZJPN3DC
— deni (@fiagirly) February 27, 2024
“Toto called me about an hour later saying ‘You will not believe what I’ve just been told.’ I was very surprised to be honest, because Lewis has got such a legacy with Mercedes. And even prior to Mercedes with McLaren. I respect his decision, it’s for sure a bold move.”
Overall, Russell will soon carry the baton for Mercedes in the absence of Hamilton. But, the big question is, does the young British driver have what it takes to fill in the shoes of a seven-time world champion? Well, this upcoming season could be Russell’s biggest test yet, seeking to overpower his dominant teammate.