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.
Russell acknowledges that Hamilton's departure leaves a sizeable void.
However, the Mercedes star also says that everybody in the team is 'excited for the next chapter' following the veteran's exit.
George Russell has acknowledged the changing atmosphere at Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari
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"Naturally, it does feel different, of course," said Russell during testing in Bahrain.
"Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track, but I think everybody within the team is very much excited for this next chapter, really."
The British driver is now stepping into a more prominent role as the team begins life without the seven-time world champion.
Mercedes faces a significant transition period as they look to rebuild their former dominance.
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George Russell often outqualified Lewis Hamilton last season
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Russell reflected on his time alongside Hamilton with appreciation.
"I feel grateful to have had that chance being his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him, but also going head-to-head with him directly," he said.
The comments highlight the value Russell placed on his partnership with Hamilton.
Their three-year partnership has provided Russell with invaluable experience at the pinnacle of motorsport.
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Mercedes' rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already shown promising signs during testing in Bahrain.
The young driver took control of the new W16 throughout the morning session.
Antonelli impressed by clocking the most laps (78) of all drivers on the track.
He also recorded the fastest lap time, though timing isn't necessarily significant at this early testing stage.
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Russell's record against Hamilton last season was particularly impressive.
He outscored the seven-time world champion in the drivers' championship rankings and, perhaps more remarkable, outqualified the 40-year-old 24 out of 30 times.
This achievement is especially notable against a driver with 104 pole positions to his name.
George Russell will be hoping to win the F1 title this season
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Russell's forward-looking mindset is clear as Mercedes embarks on this new chapter.
"It kind of feels like the end of a chapter," he said. "But then you're looking forward to the next journey.
"It's very much for us at Mercedes, we're looking forward and not backwards."
