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George Russell Targets Race Pace Evolution for 2025 F1 Season After Qualifying Dominance Over Hamilton

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 29, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Pole Position Drama: George Russell Inherits Qatar GP Top Spot After Verstappen’s Controversial Penalty: Capitalizing on Verstappen’s Error

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 Mercedes' George Russell ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

After outscoring and out-qualifying Lewis Hamilton in 2024, George Russell is setting his sights on a new mission for the 2025 Formula 1 season—turning his blistering one-lap speed into consistent race-day dominance.

The three-time F1 race winner, who scored two victories last season, acknowledges that while his raw speed in qualifying was exceptional, his race pace didn’t always match up—something he plans to change as he steps into a leadership role at Mercedes alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell’s Qualifying Masterclass vs. Race Day Struggles

Russell’s qualifying stats from 2024 were nothing short of sensational:

  • Out-qualified Hamilton 19 times in 24 races—against the driver with the most pole positions in F1 history.
  • Four pole positions compared to Hamilton’s zero.
  • Third-highest average qualifying position—trailing only Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

But while his one-lap pace was elite, his ability to convert pole positions into race wins was inconsistent. One glaring example? Canada, where he slipped from pole to third, missing a golden opportunity to capitalize on his speed.

“Last year, qualifying was my strength, but my race pace was not always the best,” Russell admitted in an exclusive interview with Mercedes.

“I know I have the speed over one lap, but there is no reason why I should not be able to convert that over the course of a race. I need to work on some elements to achieve that.”

Setting Smarter Goals: Russell’s Approach to 2025

Unlike many drivers who set numerical targets, Russell prefers a more adaptable mindset, knowing that F1 is unpredictable.

“If I say I want to win four races this year because I won three last year, I won’t be satisfied if I win five but the car is capable of 10. I tend to keep my goals on more detailed targets.”

His main priority? Mastering the finer details of race management—tire degradation, long-run consistency, and tactical awareness—all crucial to making him a genuine title contender in the future.

“The great thing about F1 is that each year brings a new car with new limitations. What was a strength last year may not be this year—you always have to adapt.”

Russell Eager to Lead Mercedes into the Future

Now stepping into a new team dynamic, Russell is embracing a leadership role as he partners rookie sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is making the jump straight from F2 to F1 at just 18 years old.

Having spent the winter break itching to get back to racing, Russell revealed that he restarted his training on January 2, with his personal trainer, Aleix Casanovas, pushing him through a brutal fitness regimen.

“The second week was absolutely brutal. The last thing you want to do is go out too hard and injure yourself.”

Despite the intensity, Russell thrives on the physical and mental benefits of training, seeing it as an essential part of his competitive mindset.

“Exercise is more than just a physique—it makes me feel good and helps my mental health. That’s why I don’t want to stop.”

Can Russell Take the Next Step in 2025?

With Hamilton gone to Ferrari, Mercedes is now fully Russell’s team. The qualifying pace is already there, but if he can refine his race-day consistency, he could emerge as a true championship threat.

With Mercedes aiming for a resurgence, can George Russell evolve from a qualifying specialist into a race-day powerhouse?

One thing is certain: he’s leaving nothing to chance.

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