‘Changes Your Self-Confidence’: George Russell on the Biggest Positive of Mercedes Stint
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George Russell is a budding talent on the grid. Although the Briton has demonstrated little that is noteworthy behind the wheel of an FW43, the paddock caught a glimpse of his mettle in his short but remarkable stint at the helm of a W11. One outing in the infamous ‘Silver’ beast has bolstered his faith in himself and his racecraft.
The Williams’ #63 was seemingly playing on the back foot the entire season. However, Lewis’ COVID positive result at the Sakhir Grand Prix weekend saw fate smile upon George, offering him an opportunity to replace the 7-time World Champion for the weekend.
Although many expected the young Brit to succumb under the immense pressure that comes with driving for the Brackley-based outfit, he kept a tight grip on his feelings and turned the weekend around like a champion.
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“We often found ourselves outside of our position and struggled with faster cars, which of course makes it tricky because I’m always on the defensive.
“It only happened once that I was on the offensive. And that was when I was sitting in the Mercedes. It just changes your self-confidence as a racing driver,” remarked Russell.
His stint at the Sakhir Grand Prix would be one of the most memorable sub-pilot performances in the history of F1. And rightly so, considering how he was at the cusp of bagging his maiden race win. Only to be foiled by a blunder committed by his own pit crew.
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The new rules and regulations are an exciting prospect for the young Brit, considering how they promise a closer battle with the behemoths. Now that we know he can overtake so skillfully, the race at the bottom of the grid would be interesting as well.
The Briton is confident that they have what it takes to surpass Haas this season. They also eye the Hinwil-based outfit but are cautious enough to avoid soaring too close to the sun.
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Nonetheless, once past the Haas cars in the grid, Russell will aim to get into the Alfa Romeos’ slipstream. What’s more, his teammate shares the same realistic optimism.
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“I am equally realistic because I know that it will always be difficult to fight with others because we are one of the two slowest cars and we do not have the same grip as the other teams. But there are small details, we try just to work continuously to improve,” concluded Russell.
The season was jampacked with action in its 17 rounds. But besides the Sakhir Grand Prix, Russell could not grab much attention. However, we urge fans to not lose any sleep over it. We have full faith in the Briton that he will strike back stronger.
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