George Russell becomes Mercedes' senior driver post-Hamilton

George Russell is taking on new responsibilities at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton's departure. Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert praised Russell, saying he channels his confidence effectively and is becoming a true leader for the team. Russell is now the senior driver, mentoring his new teammate, Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes is optimistic about their new power unit and aims for success in the upcoming 2026 season. However, Russell's performance last year faced scrutiny, with some doubting his consistency. There has also been tension between Russell and fellow driver Max Verstappen, highlighted by their exchanges in 2024. Despite this, there is speculation they could become teammates in 2026 based on predictions from Zak Brown. Herbert believes Russell should embrace his confident nature. He noted that such "arrogance" has been present in many successful drivers like Verstappen, Schumacher, and Senna. While some may label it as arrogance, Herbert sees it as confidence that can benefit the team. Russell's experience with Hamilton is expected to help him guide Antonelli. Herbert remarked that for Antonelli, the challenge will be not only to compete with Russell on the track but also to match him in team meetings and development work. This leadership dynamic is crucial for Mercedes' future.