George Russell Reveals the Lewis Hamilton Prank That 'Wallpapered' the Mercedes Office

George Russell revealed the famous story of an office prank that saw a childhood photo of him with Lewis Hamilton plastered across the Mercedes facility. While the seven-time champion was reportedly more annoyed than amused by the tribute to his pre-fashion-sense days, the anecdote perfectly encapsulates the unique dynamic between the two teammates as their time together comes to an end.

Why it matters:

With Hamilton's departure to Ferrari, this look back at their partnership provides a humanizing glimpse into the most dominant team of the hybrid era. It frames the transition of leadership at Mercedes, with Russell now set to become the undisputed team leader, a role Hamilton himself believes he is ready for.

The details:

• The Prank: An engineer named Evan printed about 30 copies of a photo showing a 10-year-old Russell with Hamilton and covered the office walls with them. Russell found it hilarious, but noted Hamilton "was more annoyed with it than I was," partly due to the dated fashion on display.
• Mutual Respect: Despite the on-track rivalry, Hamilton publicly praised Russell, calling him a "pleasant" teammate who had a "positive impact" on the work environment and possessed the potential to be a future champion.
• Competitive Edge: The relationship was defined by close competition. By the end of the 2023 season, Russell had edged out the seven-time world champion in the standings, finishing 22 points ahead.
• Belief Forged in Fire: Russell cited his near-win at the 2020 Sakhir GP, where he stepped in for Hamilton, as the moment he knew he could compete at the highest level. A late-race puncture cost him the victory, a "painful" moment that ultimately solidified his self-belief.

What's next:

As Hamilton prepares for his new chapter at Ferrari, Russell is poised to take the mantle at Mercedes. The upcoming 2026 regulation reset, coupled with rumors of a potent Mercedes power unit, presents a clear opportunity for Russell to prove his championship mettle and validate the belief both he and his former teammate have in his ability.