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.”

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.

For the past two months all attention has focused on Lewis Hamilton’s grand entrance at Ferrari – now his old team is ready to talk about its own future

George Russell says he is "optimistic" that Mercedes "can have a decent season" in 2025 as the team launch their new car.