Martin Brundle is now of the opinion that George Russell, the Mercedes driver, possesses the necessary confidence to take on the team’s leadership role after Lewis Hamilton leaves.
Following an impressive first year with Mercedes in 2022, during which he achieved his first victory in Brazil, Russell ended up in 8th place in the Drivers’ Championship the following year.
In a discussion on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Brundle expressed his view that the 26-year-old Russell is in a prime position to steer the team forward.
The recent announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 has been making waves.
This news came as a shock to many, including Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff.
Hamilton, who is 39 years old, has been a dominant force in Formula 1 with Mercedes but has not won in two years, which seems to have influenced his decision to make one final team switch before retiring.
As a result, there’s now a competitive field of drivers vying to take his spot in one of the grid’s fastest vehicles.
Brundle has suggested Esteban Ocon as a potential candidate to fill the vacancy, while also noting that Carlos Sainz, the driver Hamilton will be replacing, is actively seeking to claim Hamilton’s position.
Nonetheless, Brundle has emphasized George Russell’s capability and believes he has the confidence to lead the team into the future.
Toto Wolff faces a significant choice in selecting his next driver.
He might lean towards a younger prospect like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who could grow under Russell’s guidance.
Alternatively, he might choose a driver who is nearing their prime, hoping the duo can immediately compete for victories.
Regarding Mercedes’ prospects, Brundle commented: “Do you know what? I see that everybody’s got an opportunity here.
“I think George Russell has got the shiny confidence, the talent, the speed, the experience to pick up the mantle and be the number one driver at Mercedes-Benz, I have no doubt about that at all.
“I think it’ll energize Mercedes losing Lewis [Hamilton] and it’s an opportunity for them.”
Russell must harness the confidence Brundle has highlighted and bring it into the 2024 season with full force.
The challenge ahead is to demonstrate that he possesses the speed required to spearhead the team following Hamilton’s departure.
Filling such monumental shoes is no small task, yet Wolff and Mercedes have been grooming Russell for this pivotal role since his inaugural season with Williams.
Success also hinges on the team’s ability to provide a competitive car, something that was notably absent in 2023.
