Is George Russell playing with fire at Mercedes amid Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari move?

As Lewis Hamilton prepares to don Ferrari red next season, George Russell’s position at Mercedes seems to be under scrutiny. It is not least due to his growing frustrations with the team’s underperforming car. Both Hamilton and Russell have openly criticized Mercedes' current Formula 1 performance, but Russell's candour might be playing with fire.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has been unapologetically vocal, comparing the car’s performance to a “plank of wood.” Russell has echoed this dissatisfaction, describing the vehicle’s unpredictability as worse than ever since joining the team in 2022. While these frustrations are understandable, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has cautioned Russell about the potential repercussions of such criticisms.

“Lewis knowing that he’s leaving anyway, it’s easier to complain,” Steiner remarked on the Red Flag podcast. However, he warned that Russell, whose seat at Mercedes isn’t as secure, should tread carefully. “George has got all the interest to do whatever it takes to show that he’s the leader of the team for the future,” Steiner added, implying that the young Brit needs to balance critique with demonstrating commitment.

What did Russell say about the car?

Despite these warnings, George Russell hasn’t held back. Reflecting on the car’s erratic behaviour, he said, “This is probably the most inconsistent our performance has been as a team in probably forever.” He lamented the car's inability to deliver consistent results, which has plagued Mercedes' season. Once dominant, the team has secured just one podium finish in the last seven races, with both drivers slipping to sixth and seventh in the standings.

Russell, however, remains publicly unfazed about his future at Mercedes. Dismissing speculation about his position, he asserted, “I’ve been with this team for so, so long... we’ve always said we will be continuing together for the indefinite future.”

Hamilton’s departure undoubtedly leaves a vacuum, and Russell seems eager to step into a leadership role. However, as Mercedes strategizes for a post-Hamilton era, Russell’s outspoken approach could test his standing within the team. For now, his focus remains on proving himself on the track—though whether his words will haunt him remains to be seen.