George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi. (Image: Getty)
driver told staff it had been an ‘honour’ to race alongside after the icon departed for . The seven-time world champion sensationally announced last year he would be switching to the Scuderia, bringing the curtain down on a 12-year stint with the Silver Arrows.
And following this month’s season-ending , Hamilton bid an emotional farewell to his former colleagues.
The official goodbye took place at the team headquarters in Brackley, where both drivers were joined by Team Principal in addressing staff members on the microphone.
Footage of the event has since been released on the page. And Russell, 26, is filmed explaining how his British compatriot has improved him in F1.
“For me, these three years have been an honour, being teammates with Lewis,” he said. “Not only pushing me to be a better driver, but he’s such a role model in terms of what a world champion should look like.”
Despite the contrast in experience, Russell was able to outscore his more esteemed partner in two of their three seasons together. He also managed three race victories, as opposed to the two Hamilton managed.
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Russell will be partnered by Kimi Antonelli in 2026. (Image: Getty)
But their relationship appeared a harmonious one, despite the ample problems suffered by in the sport’s new era. Only in Qatar last year, when Hamilton appeared to take an irate Russell out, did Wolff have to deal with a flashpoint.
The ex- man will . And speaking this week, Wolff accepted he would need to be patience in order to give time for the partnership to develop.
“Obviously, 2025 is the same regulations and you can see that the pecking order varies depending on the track,” said the Austrian. “I think the opportunity is there to fight for victories, and if you can do that, you will fight for the championship.
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“George will settle in as the leading and senior driver, and Kimi is going to learn, and sometimes we will tear our hair out, and other times, we will see moments of brilliance. But it is going to be a year of managing expectations for Kimi and preparing our driver line-up for 2026.”
Hamilton has joined on a two-year deal, which will take him past his 40th birthday. He’s yet to confirm if he intends to race in F1 beyond that point, but has cited the example of old rival , who is still competing at the age of 43.