Formula 1 is a highly competitive sport. The immense pressure gives drivers two options: either to indulge themselves in the atmosphere or to lag behind the sport. Recently in The High Performance Podcast, George Russell talked about some of the insights of being a driver in a sport like F1. There, the Brit also revealed that he still jokes with compatriot Lando Norris.

George Russell had a fantastic season in 2022. During the year, he secured 7 podiums and a Grand Prix win, that came at the Brazilian GP. It’s no doubt that joining a team like Mercedes brings immense pressure and expectations. With that, a driver has to adapt himself according to the situation. That being said, earlier, Lando Norris said that George Russell has lost a bit of his personality and is not fun anymore.

When told by the host about Norris’s complaint, Russel said, “I joked with him that it was quite fun standing on the podium seven times this year.”

After a while, the host asked, “Like, is there still space? For enjoyment and for fun? Or is it all too a higher level for that?” To this, Russell responded, “Of course, there’s time. Time for fun. But it’s all gonna be in the right moments, right? 

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Lando Norris has been racing against George Russell for quite a time. And he feels that Russell isn’t the same anymore after he joined Mercedes.

Lando Norris puts Allegations on Mercedes’s Prodigy George Russell

Ahead of British Grand Prix this year, Lando Norris put an allegation on Mercedes’s prodigy George Russell that he has lost his fun side. Both the drivers are racing against each other and during the course, on the F1 grid, both motorists have garnered a reputation for being a lot of fun.

However, Norris believes that Russell has lost his fun side since he joined the top team in Formula 1. Norris told The Independent, “My manager, my trainer, my parents, have always tried to keep me as me, rather than try to shape me.”

“I see other drivers get shaped more because of who they are with, the teams they are with, and I don’t think that is a good thing. It takes away their personality.”

He further added, “Growing up with George for instance, was a lot of fun. He was a great person, but it is different at Mercedes a different vibe and a different atmosphere. I just don’t see as fun a side of him.”

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With such a hectic schedule, surrounded by high expectations, George Russell has shown some prodigious talent. In his first year with Mercedes, Russell was able to overshadow the seven-time world champion. Do you think with the upgraded car, the Silver Arrows can get both of their drivers to the top 2 next year?