Russell ready for world title after Singapore triumph: F1

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

After a remarkable victory at the Singapore Grand Prix last Sunday, Mercedes driver George Russell expressed his confidence and readiness 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 looking for victory in the final laps. The driver considers that his controlled performance on Sunday is a sign of his evolution.

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

George Russell

Russell added that, although he felt nervous before the race, he did not experience additional pressure. He felt comfortable and with the certainty of having the opportunity to win. Since his arrival at Mercedes in 2022, Russell hasn’t had a car capable of fighting for championships.

In three seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, Russell 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 the 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 commented that he now feels more relaxed and that, faced with the rain before the race, he remained calm, accepting the conditions as equal for everyone. He highlighted that his younger self would have reacted differently.