George Russell believes Lewis Hamilton’s current Formula 1 struggles at Ferrari are only temporary, backing his former Mercedes team-mate to “find the magic”.
Hamilton’s much-hyped switch to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season has so far produced mixed results.
Despite securing a Sprint race win in Shanghai, the seven-time World Champion has yet to finish higher than fifth in a Grand Prix, and remains behind team-mate Charles Leclerc in the standings.
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Russell admitted he hasn’t followed Hamilton’s transition closely, but insisted the Briton’s talent and track record speak for themselves.
“I don’t really know, to be honest,” Russell said.
“He’s a seven-time World Champion, incredibly experienced, and an amazing driver.
“We saw it in China — pole in the Sprint, wins the race comfortably. I know what he’s capable of, and I’m sure when things start to click, we’ll see more of that magic.”
Ex-Mercedes team-mates contrasting F1 fortunes
Ferrari currently sits third in the Constructors’ Championship, behind Mercedes and runaway leaders McLaren.
Hamilton’s Sprint success remains the team’s sole victory so far this season, with the SF-25 proving competitive but unpredictable across varying circuit layouts.
Russell, meanwhile, has started the season strongly with three podiums from the opening five rounds.
While confident in his own form, the Mercedes driver remains realistic about the team’s title prospects.
“My aspirations are to fight for the World Championship and, being realistic, we don’t have a car to fight McLaren,” he added.
“They’ve left the door open a couple of times, but I don’t expect that to continue over 24 races.”
Hamilton will be aiming to add consistency to Ferrari’s flashes of pace as the season progresses, while Russell looks to maintain his momentum and keep pressure on the front-runners.
The veteran Briton was despondent following his latest outing with the Scuderia, where he finished seventh, lacking the race pace exhibited by Leclerc.
“I just lacked grip, I lacked good balance,” he said.
“It was just fighting the car every corner and nothing I did would work.”
With a small break until Miami, Hamilton was downbeat on the gap between races improving his mindset.
“Honestly, I don’t think so – it’s not going to make any difference,” he concluded.
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