\u201cNaturally, it does feel different, of course,\u201d Russell admitted during a drivers' press conference in Sakhir. \u201cLewis is such a huge personality on and off track. But I think everybody within the team is very much excited for this next chapter, really.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hamilton\u2019s departure marked the end of a formidable partnership between the two British drivers, spanning three seasons from 2022 to 2024. While Russell cherished the opportunity to learn from and compete alongside the seven-time World Champion, he remains focused on the road ahead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs the team looks back on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have had that chance, being his teammate for three years and learning so much from him. Also, going head-to-head with him directly. It kind of feels like the end of a chapter, but then you\u2019re looking forward to the next journey,\u201d he added. \u201cIt\u2019s very much for us and Mercedes\u2026 we\u2019re looking forward and not backward.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Hamilton\u2019s seat now occupied by rising star Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes has ushered in a fresh phase in its pursuit of championship glory. Russell expressed confidence in both his new teammate and the team\u2019s latest challenger, the W16, following an encouraging start to pre-season testing. Antonelli topped the timing sheets during the morning session in Bahrain, while Russell himself clocked the second-fastest lap in the afternoon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYeah, absolutely. It\u2019s obviously a fresh start for all of us. We\u2019re just excited to see what the season will bring,\u201d Russell said when asked about Mercedes\u2019s prospects. \u201cThis morning was a solid start for the team; the car\u2019s handling well. It\u2019s obviously very different conditions here compared to what we\u2019re used to \u2013 it\u2019s very windy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the promising signs, Russell cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from the early testing sessions, citing the unpredictable nature of performance swings witnessed last season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYeah, absolutely. It\u2019s obviously a fresh start for all of us. We\u2019re just excited to see what the season will bring,\u201d Russell said when asked about Mercedes\u2019s prospects. \u201cThis morning was a solid start for the team; the car\u2019s handling well. It\u2019s obviously very different conditions here compared to what we\u2019re used to \u2013 it\u2019s very windy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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