Despite Enjoying Unconvincing 18 Point Lead, George Russell Belittles Fernando Alonso & Co. To Set an Ambitious Goal for Mercedes

The Mercedes team was reborn in the Spanish GP and has come away from something far more important than points. People at Mercedes have renewed hope and belief in their hearts. However, among all, it was George Russell who got the biggest morale boost from the race in Barcelona. Although, soon after the race, everyone put their blinders on to focus on catching the rivals. According to Russell, that’s not Fernando Alonso and Co. despite the mere 18-point difference in the championship table.

Mercedes leapfrogged Aston Martin in the constructors standing after their first double podium of the season. However, Russell believes it’s not Aston Martin or even Ferrari they are bothered about. Their focus still remains on catching Max Verstappen. Russell revealed these ambitions while speaking to the media as quoted by Motorsport-Total.

“We don’t really think about Aston Martin and Ferrari. Our eyes are on Red Bull and Verstappen,” emphasizes Russell. “And as satisfying as the weekend was with the double podium, by Monday morning that was already forgotten and you look to the next improvement and how we can close the gap.” He adds, “We probably have to find half a second if we want to catch up and overtake.” (Translated by Google)

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The Brit has completely disregarded Aston Martin and Ferrari while aiming to catch Red Bull. However, these comments might come back to bite him as early as the Canadian GP.

George Russell might have to eat his own words as Montreal is expected to be a challenging circuit for Mercedes

The young Brit has laid out big ambitions for the team after the race in Spain. However, Russell might have to eat his own words which discredit Alonso and Co. as their rivals. Why? Well, because of the challenging Montreal track, especially for Mercedes because of their Achilles heel.

“In Barcelona, there are many medium-fast and fast corners, a flat track, and the three hardest tires. And here we have the three softest tyres, only slow corners and a bumpy track with curbs,” Russell lists the differences.

“I would therefore say that all of this does not suit us on paper,” says the Briton. However, “If we are the second fastest team this weekend, then that would be an enormous boost for self-confidence for the rest of the season.”

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So it’s a big stake race for Mercedes as they will finally be able to test the W14 on another challenging track. Do you think if Mercedes performs well in Barcelona, they will be able to take the fight to Red Bull before the season ends?