Russell: Victory in Singapore boosts him to F1 title

George Russell feels ready to fight for the world championship after his victory in Singapore

After a remarkable victory at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes driver George Russell has expressed his confidence in his ability to compete for the world title. This triumph represents Russell’s fifth career victory and the second of the 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, losing the opportunity to fight for victory in the final laps. The driver believes that his performance measured on Sunday is proof of his progress.

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, as usual, but assured that he did not feel additional pressure.

I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to take the next step.

George Russell

Since joining Mercedes in 2022, Russell hasn’t had a car capable of competing for championships. In his three seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, Russell 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 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 now feels much more relaxed and that, given the rain that fell before the race, he remained calm, understanding that it was the same situation for everyone.