Lewis Hamilton has already rejected George Russell theory as Mercedes star left convinced

Lewis Hamilton has rejected George Russell’s theory that there was “no way he would have left” Mercedes for Ferrari based on the team’s current performances. Mercedes and Hamilton are enjoying a resurgence at the midway point of the 2024 Formula One season after two disastrous years - though he will part ways with the team at the end of the season.

Hamilton, 39, announced his shock decision to quit Mercedes in favour of rivals Ferrari at the start of the year. He won six of his seven world championships with the Silver Arrows, having joined 11 years ago from McLaren.

The racing legend went on to suffer two winless seasons with the Brackley-based side after controversially missing out on his eighth world title. But he has now started to experience joy again while driving the improved W15 car.

Hamilton ended a 945-day winless streak stretching back to Saudi Arabia in 2021 at the British Grand Prix earlier this month, before finishing third in Hungary this weekend. That prompted his team-mate Russell to claim there was “no way” the veteran would have left if he had predicted Mercedes’ revival this year.

Russell told Reuters ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix: “I don’t think he would have left if the team was performing like this. No way he would have left, for sure not.

“For 2026, the power unit’s looking really strong and everything we’re doing with the fuels is looking great and there’s a lot of optimism for us over the next couple of years. As tough as these last few years have been, it really feels like we’ve got the momentum with us now.”

Yet Hamilton was already asked if he had any regrets over his Ferrari switch in June in light of Mercedes’ improvements. Speaking after claiming his first podium of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix, he said: “No, not at all.

“I love Mercedes. I have been with Mercedes since I was 13 and I will always be a fan and a supporter of them.

“My job right now is to work as hard as I can with the crew that I have to try and move and develop the car in the right direction. Whatever course and trajectory the team is on for next year, there are things I hopefully will have been a part of and I am proud of that.

“My job next year will be to start with the other team, and they are doing a great job. They have had a difficult couple of races but let’s not forget they had a race win in Monaco (last month).

“I don’t know what is wrong with their car and why they are in the position they are in. But it doesn’t make me second-guess my decision at all.”

Hamilton had previously clarified the reason behind his bombshell move by claiming it was driven by a desire to take up a new challenge, rather than growing dissatisfaction with the team. He did, however, express the importance of winning, which could have played a greater role than he let on.

"I'm not leaving because I'm unhappy there,” he said. “I'm not leaving because of relationship issues They've been with me through thick and thin. So, it's definitely a strange transition at the moment.

"We exist to win. And when you're not winning, your perspective has to shift. And it's then about chasing and it's about improvement. It's about coming together.

"How can we make improvements? How can we get back to where we want to be? And rallying everyone up. I actually really enjoy that experience. But, three years in? I've had enough of this! Let's get back to where we belong."

Ferrari are currently third in the constructors’ standings with 322 points, while Mercedes are fourth with 241. The gap has closed with Hamilton’s brilliant performances over the last four races, securing three podium finishes in four races while the two Ferraris have mustered up just one between them.