George Russell has confirmed that Mercedes is aiming to use the year 2024 to establish everything necessary for a successful campaign in the following season. The disqualification at the Belgian GP was a significant setback for Mercedes, as Russell narrowly beat the competition but was ultimately disqualified due to an underweight car. This allowed Hamilton to take pole position after the race. Despite this setback, the 26-year-old driver has performed exceptionally well, winning the Austrian GP and securing a third-place finish in Canada. With three grand prix victories under their belt, Mercedes is in prime form to compete for the championship title.
During a recent interview, George Russell discussed the importance of the last 10 rounds in laying the groundwork for a title challenge. He confirmed that they are fully focused on utilizing this year to establish the necessary foundation for success in the upcoming season. By prioritizing this preparation, they hope to be in a stronger position to contend for the championship. Russell acknowledged the challenges faced by everyone involved in improving the car’s performance over the past couple of years. They have strived to enhance the car’s capabilities to a level where it can consistently compete for victories.
Russell expressed his high motivation and excitement for the second half of the season, recognizing its significance in preparing for 2025. He believes that, based on the current competition, there is no reason why they cannot be competitive and fight for success. With a race-winning car at their disposal, Mercedes has already proven their ability to provide tough competition. Russell remains optimistic about their chances and confident in their ability to perform well against their rivals as the season progresses.
Furthermore, George Russell pointed out that if the season had started in Montreal, the championship standings would likely be different. This is because Mercedes began to see improvements since the Canadian GP, where Russell secured his first podium finish of the season. The 26-year-old driver believes that starting the season in Montreal could have resulted in a more favorable position for Mercedes and potentially led to even greater success.
Despite the current pause in the season, both George Russell and Mercedes are eagerly anticipating the next race in Zandvoort. Their recent improvements, which have resulted in three grand prix wins, have motivated them to strive for even better performances. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the Silver Arrows to action after the break and expect them to fiercely contend for the championship.
Photo from George Russell Instagram
