Russell ready for world title after F1 Singapore victory

George Russell: Ready to fight for the championship

Following his impressive victory at the Singapore Grand Prix last Sunday, Mercedes driver George Russell expressed his confidence in being ready to compete for the world title. This victory represents Russell’s fifth career win and the second this season, following his triumph at the Canadian Grand Prix in June. The circuit where he achieved victory was the same one where Russell suffered an accident two years ago, losing the opportunity to win in the final laps. His performance measured on Sunday, according to him, is proof of his evolution 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 it was just another race, and he knew he had the opportunity to win, which gave him peace of mind. Therefore, he reiterated his feeling of being ready to fight for the championship and take the next step in his career.

Since joining Mercedes in 2022, Russell hasn’t had a car capable of fighting for championships. 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 that he has matured as a driver in the last two years and that he would make the most of a car that allows him to achieve consistent victories throughout a season.

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

George Russell

The Mercedes driver concluded by expressing that he feels much more relaxed and that, given the adverse weather conditions prior to the race, he remained calm, understanding that it was the same situation for everyone. He acknowledged that his attitude would be different from what it was a few years ago.