Russell ready for world title after Singapore victory

George Russell: “I feel ready to fight for the championship”

After securing a resounding victory at the Singapore Grand Prix last Sunday, Mercedes driver George Russell expressed his confidence and determination to compete for the world title. This triumph represents Russell’s fifth career victory and the second this season, following his success at the Canadian Grand Prix in June. The race took place on a circuit where Russell had an accident two years ago, when he was fighting for the victory in the last laps. The driver considers that his performance measured on Sunday demonstrates his evolution as a driver.

I am a very different driver than I was a couple of years ago, and I feel more complete, more confident. I know exactly what I need to do in certain circumstances.

George Russell

Russell added that, despite the pre-race nerves, he didn’t feel additional pressure and felt comfortable with the possibility of winning. The driver has expressed his desire to compete for the championship and take the next step in his career.

Since joining Mercedes in 2022, Russell hasn’t had a car that allows him to fight for the championship. In three seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, he was only two points behind the seven-time champion and currently leads his rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli by 149 points after 18 races. Russell believes he has matured as a driver in the last two years and would make the most of a car capable of achieving consistent victories throughout a season.

I think it comes with experience, just knowing how to maximize each situation. I was probably driving a bit more tense a couple of years ago and probably forcing things in circumstances where I shouldn’t have.

George Russell

Russell admitted that he feels more relaxed and that, faced with the rain before the race, he accepted the situation without stress.