Mercedes hasn’t favored any driver as number one publicly since 2013 when Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas, and now Russell raced alongside Hamilton.
Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari after this season. However, Russell, a long-time Mercedes driver, is still under contract until 2025.
Even if Mercedes signs Max Verstappen from Red Bull, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, or promotes its F2 protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell believes the team will treat all drivers equally.
Russell said, “Since Lewis’ news, Lewis has been incredibly professional with the team. The working relationship with everybody within Mercedes is like nothing has changed whatsoever.”
He added, “The team has been great and given us both equal opportunities. Whenever upgrades are brought to the car, it’s given to both of us at the same time, unlike other teams.”
Russell expects this equality to continue regardless of who his teammate will be next year. He said, “They want to give both drivers the best chance of achieving the best result.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed interest in Verstappen but noted they wouldn’t offer him a car that’s difficult to drive. Wolff said, “He is extraordinary, but we would give him a car that’s a handful, difficult to set up and drive.”
Mercedes will decide on its driver lineup around the summer.
Also read: Russell-Alonso Incident Investigated: Albert Park Race Drama
