Mercedes has actually regularly prevented openly backing a primary motorist throughout the stints that Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas and now Russell have actually had along with Hamilton considering that 2013.
The seven-time champ will leave the Silver Arrows at the end of the season to move to Ferrari, veteran Mercedes chauffeur Russell stays under agreement up until the end of 2025.
Regardless of whether Mercedes can tempt Max Verstappen from Red Bull, indication either Fernando Alonso, or ousted Ferrari racer Carlos Sainz or choose to promote its F2 protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell thinks the group will stick by its policy of equivalent treatment.
Asked if his method inside the group had actually altered given that learning about Hamilton’s approaching departure, Russell responded: “Since Lewis’ news, Lewis has actually been exceptionally expert with the group.
“The working relationship with everyone within Mercedes resembles absolutely nothing has actually altered whatsoever.
“The group have actually been so fantastic and offered us both level playing fields. It’s constantly been that from the beginning.
“Whenever upgrades are giving the automobile, it’s going to both people at the very same time, whereas other groups it goes to one before the other. Which’s constantly the method at Mercedes.”
George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Image by: Steve Etherington/ Motorsport Images
While much has actually been made from Russell’s capability to step up and lead the group, the Brit stated he anticipated this equality to stay the same, “no matter who my team-mate is going to be”.
He continued: “They wish to provide both motorists the very best opportunity of accomplishing the very best outcome and entering into next year, no matter who my team-mate is going to be, that will still continue to be the very same.”
Wolff has actually gone on the record to state Verstappen is his ‘top choice’ for 2025, with the Dutch chauffeur less particular to see out the rest of his Red Bull agreement – ending at the end of 2028 – offered the instability surrounding group manager Christian Horner and consultant Helmut Marko.
Asked whether Verstappen might instantly slot in at Mercedes and enhance the efficiency of its so-far irregular W15 opposition, Wolff informed Fox Sports Australia: “No. He is remarkable, however we would provide him a vehicle that’s a handful, challenging to establish and drive.
“I ‘d rather make that action and be out there and state, ‘This is an automobile you might drive since it’s likewise going quickly’.”
Mercedes anticipates to select its chauffeur line-up towards the summertime.
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