The 2025 Formula 1 season has delivered a seismic shift in the sport’s narrative, with George Russell emerging as a formidable force, eclipsing the towering legacy of his former teammate, Lewis Hamilton, at Mercedes. Russell’s sensational podium run in the opening races has left the F1 world in awe, cementing his status as the new leader of the Silver Arrows and sparking debates about whether he has surpassed Hamilton’s prime.
Russell, now in his seventh F1 season, has kicked off 2025 with an extraordinary display of skill and composure. Scoring three podiums in the first four races—third in Australia, third in China, and a remarkable second in Bahrain—Russell has consistently extracted the maximum from Mercedes’ W16, a car that, while improved, is not yet a match for McLaren’s dominant MCL39. His ability to challenge the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and even fend off a charging Norris in Bahrain despite battling brake-by-wire failures and DRS issues, has earned him widespread acclaim. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, hailed Russell’s Bahrain drive as “unbelievable,” praising his ability to manage a malfunctioning car while securing a crucial P2.
What makes Russell’s 2025 surge even more compelling is his head-to-head record against Hamilton in their time as teammates. In 2024, Russell became the first driver to outqualify Hamilton over a season (19-5) and finished 22 points ahead in the championship, despite Hamilton’s two wins. Posts on X reflect the sentiment that Russell’s dominance over the seven-time world champion signaled his readiness to take the reins. One user noted, “George Russell outperformed Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Yet some still believe Lewis will outshine Leclerc at Ferrari. Nonsense.” This growing narrative underscores Russell’s ascent as Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari has left a void that the 27-year-old Briton has filled with authority.
Russell’s 2025 performances are not just about raw pace but also mental fortitude and adaptability. His meticulous preparation—adjusting sleep patterns, refining nutrition, and working with a psychologist—has paid dividends in navigating F1’s grueling early-season schedule. In China, starting second on the grid, Russell fended off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to secure P3, a result he described as “one of my best weekends in F1.” His ability to remain calm under pressure, as noted by Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin, has been pivotal in guiding rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli and maintaining team morale.
While Hamilton struggles to adapt to Ferrari’s SF-25, with a best result of P5 in Bahrain, Russell’s consistency has positioned him fourth in the drivers’ championship, just 14 points behind leader Norris. The F1 community is buzzing with praise, with some on X declaring Russell “the best driver in the last four races” for his faultless tire management and pace. However, Russell remains grounded, acknowledging McLaren’s dominance and tempering expectations of a title fight.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Russell’s podium run has not only stunned the F1 world but also redefined Mercedes’ future. With his contract set to expire this year, speculation about a potential move to Red Bull or retention by Mercedes swirls, but one thing is clear: Russell is no longer in Hamilton’s shadow. He is carving his own legacy, one podium at a time, and the world is watching in astonishment.