Russell has consistently edged out Hamilton in qualifying in 2024. In 2024, Russell leads their qualifying battles 16-5, and he’s been quicker in four of the five Sprint Shootouts this year, as well as in direct race duels, where he leads 13-8.

George Russell has been told that his Mercedes seat is not safe, while former team-mate Lewis Hamilton is able to make demands because of his Ferrari deal

Lewis Hamilton will first test a Ferrari F1 car early next year, with the prospect of him driving at the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi a non-starter. Seven-time F1 world champion will leave Mercedes after 12 years at the Silver Arrows at the end of the season and only has three races left before he moves to the Scuderia in 2025.