George Russell has acknowledged the changing atmosphere at Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari. The 40-year-old agreed to leave the Silver Arrows last year, having struggled for consistency over the past few years.

Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track but I think everyone within the team is very much excited for this next chapter really.”

Lewis Hamilton was fifth-fastest in his first session of preseason testing with Ferrari as his replacement at Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, posted the fastest time. The 18-year-old Italian rookie topped the standings among the 10 drivers on track in Wednesday's morning session,

Lewis Hamilton has started Formula 1 preseason testing for Ferrari in the next step in his bid to win an eighth F1 title

A former Formula 1 driver has accused Ferrari of prioritising Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc ahead of the upcoming season. Hamilton and Leclerc head into the 2025 season knowing that not only will they have to beat their rivals if they are to win the drivers' title - but they will also have to be quicker than their team-mate.