Russell: Ready for the world title after victory in Singapore

George Russell feels ready to fight for the world title

Following his resounding victory at Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell expressed his confidence in being ready to compete for the world championship. This was Russell’s fifth career victory and the second of the season, after securing the win 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, when he was seeking victory in the final laps. The driver considers that his performance measured on Sunday is evidence of his progress 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 that he had the opportunity to win, which made him feel comfortable. 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 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 stated that he feels much more relaxed and that, faced with the rain before the race, he simply accepted the situation, understanding that it was the same for everyone and that there was no point in stressing.