Russell: After victory in Singapore, ready for the F1 title

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

After a dominant victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell expressed his confidence in his ability to compete for the world title. This victory represents Russell’s fifth career win and the second of the season, after winning the Canadian Grand Prix in June. The circuit, where Russell had an accident two years ago while chasing victory in the final laps, served as a stage to demonstrate his growth as a driver.

I am a very different driver today 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, although he felt nervous before the race, he did not experience additional pressure. He felt comfortable with the possibility of winning and stated that he felt prepared to take the next step and fight for the championship.

Since joining Mercedes in 2022, Russell hasn’t had a car with which he could fight for the championship. In three seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, he finished just 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 that he would make the most of a car capable of achieving consistent victories throughout the season.

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

George Russell

Russell explained that he now feels much more relaxed and that, even in the rain before the race, he remained calm. He mentioned that his self from a few years ago would have reacted differently.