GEORGE RUSSELL has admitted Mercedes does "feel different" following Lewis Hamilton's exit.

Hamilton, 40, left the F1 team for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.

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The seven-time world champion will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

He had been with Mercedes for 12 years but was keen to impress his new bosses.

He turned up in full Ferrari gear on the first day of official testing in Bahrain.

Hamilton's exit has appeared to hit Mercedes hard as one staff member had to peel his No44 off a generator at the Bahrain International Circuit.

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The team is now in transition, with Russell being joined by teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Russell, 27, opened up on the difference in the team following Hamilton's exit at the FIA drivers’ press conference.

He said: "Naturally, it does feel different, of course.

"Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track.

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"I think everyone within the team is very much excited for this next chapter really.

"As the team may look on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have that chance to be his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him but also going head-to-head with him directly for three years."

Russell also insisted that Mercedes is now looking to the future and will not be lingering on the success of the past.

He added: "It kind of feels like the end of a chapter but you’re looking forward to the next journey.

"It’s very much for us and Mercedes. We’re looking forward and not backwards."

Russell and Co will start the season on March 16 in the Australian GP.

Hamilton will be bidding to win a record eight world championships, while Max Verstappen will be aiming to win his fifth title in a row.

The Brit has already shown what he is capable in his all-new SF-25.

On day two of testing, he posted back-to-back fastest laps on the track.

His fastest time was recorded at 1:29.379 after 45 laps.

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He also eclipsed Ferrari's Q3 time from the Bahrain GP in the 2024 season.

Hamilton also beat Russell's best time by 0.399s after 71 laps.

Timesheet after Day 2 morning session

Lewis Hamilton led the way on the morning session of Day 2 of testing...

1. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari 1:29.379, 45 laps
2. George Russell - Mercedes +0.399, 71 laps
3. Carlos Sainz - Williams +0.711, 44 laps
4. Pierre Gasly - Alpine +1.051, 40 laps
5. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin +1.321, 45 laps
6. Yuki Tsunoda - Racing Bulls +1.414, 46 laps
7. Oscar Piastri - McLaren +1.442, 44 laps
8. Liam Lawson - Red Bull Racing +1.854, 28 laps
9. Nico Hulkenberg - Kick Sauber +2.078, 56 laps
10. Esteban Ocon Haas - F1 Team +3.692, 69 laps

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