Novak Djokovic & Co.’s Struggles Empathized by F1 Star George Russell While Reflecting on His Meet With the Tennis Legend: “How a Great Deals With..”

The Monte Carlo Masters recently concluded and many F1 stars treated themselves to attendance in the stands. F1 is in the middle of a 4-week hiatus and because many F1 drivers are residents of Monaco, the tennis tournament acted as a great palate cleanser. Mercedes driver George Russell too attended the tournament and even got to meet the legend himself, Novak Djokovic.

Before George, Ferrari speedster Charles Leclerc registered his presence at the Monte Carlo Masters as well. However, Russell’s meeting with Djokovic did not go down well with the fans. That was because of Nole’s anti-vax stance since last year’s Australian Open.

George Russell reveals what his conversation with Novak Djokovic was about

Being athletes in sports where traveling is a big part of their life, George and Novak connected instantly. Turns out, their conversation was also centered around how much toll traveling takes on them.

Recently speaking on The Fast And The Curious podcast, the Mercedes driver revealed, “I think it’s always good to talk with these people with different backgrounds, different sports. We all live challenging lifestyles when you’re trying to operate at the highest level and try to understand how a great deals with such a thing. For us F1 drivers, your races are at 3 o’clock on a Sunday 9 times out of 10 and it’s pretty straightforward. Whereas in tennis, especially in the early rounds, you could be waiting 1 to 3 hours longer than you’re expected.”

“So, we’re just having chats about how we deal with the travel. And likewise for them, I didn’t realize but a number of players have gone straight to Barcelona straight on the Monday morning. The ATP 500 started again the following day after the final of the Monte Carlo Masters. So, those guys, they’re on the road as much as we are really.”

Read More: “The Money Shot”: With Lewis Hamilton’s Coachella Antics Getting Attention, Sneaky Mercedes Root for George Russell’s Spotlight

The current F1 calendar is no easy feat for the drivers either. Long flights to different continents are an issue many drivers have raised in the past. Russell too recently raised it ahead of the race in Australia.

Russell flags the need for F1 to make amendments to the racing calendar

It is not just the constant traveling but also the jet lags that take a toll on drivers’ health. Moreover, it also exposes F1’s shaky commitment to the environment, as the logistical footprint of the sport is massive.

F1 Maximaal quoted Russell as saying in Australia recently, “We jump from the Middle East to America and back to Europe. I think that will get better in the coming years. For many fans it doesn’t really make sense. We race in certain locations and are dealing with the restrictions of street circuits and when they can open.”

Watch This Story: From Serena Williams to Chris Hemsworth: Celebrities Lured by the Glitz and Glamor of Monaco

Do you think F1 will schedule races more efficiently next season?