Russell: Ready for the World Cup after winning in Singapore (F1)

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

Following an impressive victory at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes driver George Russell expressed his confidence in being ready to fight for the world title. This victory represents Russell’s fifth in his career and the second this season, after securing the win at the Canadian Grand Prix in June. The circuit, where Russell suffered an accident two years ago, has served as a learning experience and growth for him 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 admitted to feeling nervous before the race, but emphasized that he did not feel additional pressure, considering it as just another race. “I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to take the next step,” he stated.

Since his arrival at Mercedes in 2022, Russell has not had a car capable of competing 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 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

The Mercedes driver added that he feels much more relaxed, even in the face of unexpected situations such as rain, which demonstrates his evolution as a competitor.