“Just a Part of Being a Mercedes Driver”: Dream F1 Seat Comes at a Heavy Cost for Silver Arrows Star George Russell

The Silver lining to the Silver Arrows’ disastrous season. George Russell salvaged some hope and pride for Mercedes after winning his maiden GP race in Interlagos this year. The Briton had to wait 3 years before winning an F1 race on his 81st attempt. He came agonizingly close a couple of years when deputizing for Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain. However, he wasn’t letting this opportunity pass as Hamilton finished behind George to secure a rare Mercedes 1-2 this season.

But apart from that moment of glory, the Mercedes pair really haven’t had much to celebrate this year. It was also Russell’s first year with the Brackley-based outfit and the King’s Lynn-born racer explains how the move has had its own drawbacks amidst the success.

The Boons and banes of driving for Mercedes

The advantages of driving for Mercedes are many. Add that up with partnering alongside 7-time champion Lewis Hamilton is a unique opportunity that Russell will be looking to cherish. The 24-year-old has the opportunity to grasp as much as he can from Hamilton in his bid to win the championship in the future.

Russell told the Racer, “It’s the time consumption of the things off track. For every one day of marketing, that’s one day less in the gym, or training or resting and recovering.” He continued, “And that’s definitely taken its toll on me. I need to work out how I’m going to best deal with all of this because, for sure, at times this year, I haven’t dealt with it that well.”

The former Williams driver also revealed the difficulties he’s faced while being away from his home. The Briton talked about how he’s missed around 2 months, apart from the racing aspect, like dealing with the simulator, the shifts at the factory in Brackley, the long flights, etc.

Russell concluded, “It’s just part of being a Mercedes driver, but that’s definitely a shock to the system. And when you get 22 races in or 21 races in and it is compounded with poor performance, you feel quite low.”

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The King’s Lynn boy will be hoping to build on his successful first season with the Silver Arrows. Furthermore, he’ll also look to challenge the Red Bull of Max Verstappen next season.

Sebastian Vettel feels George Russell has what it takes to become an F1 champion

Retiring legend Sebastian Vettel gives Mercedes fans a reason to cheer for next season with his comments on George Russell. The 4-time world champion believes George Russell has the package to win the title in the future.

Vettel told Sky about Russell’s hopes, “It’s so difficult to say. But if he gets the right car, the right equipment, the right team – and I think he’s in a good place – then yeah, I think he’s got the talent and skill.”

He also added, “There’s more than talent and skill needed but he seems to be hard-working, so yes he’s got a good chance.“

Russell finished the season ahead of Lewis and became only the third driver to beat the Briton in equal machinery. He’ll be hoping to repeat more of the same next season as he sets his sight on the world championship.

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Can George Russell and Lewis Hamilton combine together and bring the glory days back to the Silver Arrows?