George Russell: happier, hungrier + ‘holding his own’ with Hamilton
Oct 3, 2023
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George Russell, Mercedes driver, discusses his improved mindset, taking up freediving, the support of his family, and the influence of teammate Lewis Hamilton. He sees a 'light at the end of the tunnel' and is ready to capitalize on Mercedes' competitive car in the future.
George Russell is in a much happier place and has embraced a new attitude towards Formula 1, which has contributed to his growth and mental well-being.
Despite the team's struggles with the new regulations, George Russell sees the potential for Mercedes to fight at the front again and is fully confident in the team's clear direction for the future.
Deep dives
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George Russell's success and potential
George Russell had an impressive debut season with Mercedes, becoming a Grand Prix winner and finishing above Lewis Hamilton in the driver's standings. Despite the team's struggles with the new regulations, Russell sees the potential for Mercedes to fight at the front again. He credits his growth and mental well-being to new hobbies, such as free diving, and his relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Mercedes' challenges and future prospects
Mercedes has faced challenges in adapting to the new regulations, with the current car not being competitive enough to challenge for titles. However, Russell expresses confidence in the team's potential and their clear direction for the future. He acknowledges the tough competition from Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and others, but believes a sustained performance and improvement can put Mercedes back at the top.
George Russell's mindset and lessons learned
Russell emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment and maintaining a balance between work and personal life. He mentions how failures and difficult moments in his career have helped him develop a resilient mindset. Russell also discusses the camaraderie among drivers, the intensity of racing against the best, and the ability to move on from incidents on track. He expresses his belief in his own abilities and his determination to win championships.
George Russell’s first two seasons at Mercedes have certainly had their ups and downs. He’s become a Grand Prix winner and enjoyed a few bottles of champagne on the podium in that time, but the team are far away from fighting for World Championships.
George says he can see a ‘light at the end of the tunnel,’ though. He’s proven his worth to the eight-time Constructor Champions and is fully confident he’ll be ready to capitalise when their car becomes competitive again.
Speaking to Tom Clarkson, George says he’s in a much happier place now, after embracing a new attitude towards Formula 1 over the summer break.
George also talks about taking up freediving in his spare time, how invested his family are in his F1 career, why teammate Lewis Hamilton has pushed him to new levels, and much more.
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