‘My time will come’: Russell ready to lead Mercedes to world title

George Russell is stepping into F1's 2025 campaign with unshakable confidence, firmly believing that his track record in the sport proves he’s a genuine contender for the World Championship.

As he prepares for his seventh season in the sport and his fourth with Mercedes, the 27-year-old Briton is riding high after a 2024 campaign that saw him outshine his former teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Reflecting on his achievements, Russell told BBC Sport that his results “speak for themselves,” a bold declaration that underscores his conviction in his own abilities as he takes the reins as Mercedes’ senior driver.

A Proven Record Against a Legend

Russell’s tenure alongside Hamilton at Mercedes has been a veritable proving ground. Over their three years as teammates, he finished ahead of the seven-time champion in the Drivers’ Championship standings twice, a feat that has bolstered his self-belief.

In 2024, the Briton delivered a masterclass in qualifying, trouncing Hamilton 19-5 in their intra-team head-to-head – an unprecedented achievement against a driver widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

“At the end of 2021, statistically and in terms of perception, Lewis was the greatest of all time,” Russell said.

“And I’ve had three years against the greatest of all time, and I finished ahead of him two out of the three years I had as team mates. And finished ahead more times in ‘quali’ and more times in the race.”

For Russell, these numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re a statement.

“If this was a different time or a different era, if you finish ahead of Lewis Hamilton, you’re a World Champion,” he asserted, suggesting that his results already place him among the elite, even if the title hasn’t yet materialized.

His pride in this record is also palpable: “I am proud of the results I’ve achieved going up against somebody like Lewis,” he added. “And I don’t have anything I need to prove or show.”

A New Era at Mercedes

With Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari marking the end of an era, Russell finds himself at the helm of a Mercedes team embarking on a fresh chapter. Far from feeling burdened by the shift, he sees it as an opportunity.

“This is turning a page. It’s a new chapter,” he said of Hamilton’s departure. “And I don’t suddenly feel any additional responsibility.”

The high-profile switch, one of the most talked-about in F1 history, has kept the spotlight on Mercedes, and Russell believes it’s a positive for all involved: “It’s been good for everyone.”

Joining him in the garage will be rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli, whose meteoric rise through the junior ranks has already turned heads.

Russell is optimistic about the 18-year-old Italian’s potential, despite the steep learning curve ahead.

“He’s a great kid,” he remarked. “He’s very young, but he’s a really nice guy. Super-fast, of course.

“Being thrown in at the deep end, which is going to be a big challenge. But in terms of raw speed, I don’t think you can question it. And there’s going to be an interesting new dynamic.”

Eyes on the Prize

As he looks toward the future, Russell remains steadfast in his belief that a World Championship is within reach.

“I know my time will come,” he explained, exuding a quiet determination. “And I’ve just got to ensure that I keep on performing. And whether it’s this year or next year, it’ll come.”

His confidence isn’t blind optimism—it’s rooted in the consistency he’s shown against Hamilton, whom he calls “the best driver of all time.”

“And if I keep delivering those results, as I did over these last three years against the best driver of all time, I believe I will get myself in the fight and hopefully a World Championship to my name,” he said.

For George Russell, the road ahead is clear. With a proven track record, a new teammate, and a team poised for resurgence, he’s ready to turn his belief into reality.

The results, as he says, speak for themselves—and they’re shouting louder than ever.

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