Russell believes timing cost him titles: ‘I could’ve had two if I came earlier’

Now that he has settled into his role as Mercedes' leader, George Russell has been wryly recalling the value of his past performances against Lewis Hamilton.

After joining Mercedes in 2022, George Russell spent three years at Williams before replacing Valtteri Bottas. He had only had one previous opportunity to drive for Mercedes - at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, when Lewis Hamilton missed the race due to Covid. However, the Briton did not experience the German team's era of dominance at the time, and a bad luck puncture cost him a well-deserved victory.

Given the level of performance he has shown during his three years alongside the seven-time world champion - who is now at Ferrari - Russell believes his career could look different.

"Being team-mate to a seven-time world champion for three years is not easy," Russell told The Athletic. “At one time, if you finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton in a race or a championship, it meant you won. If I had come five years earlier, I might have already won two titles.”

George Russell has no regrets

Yet George Russell has no regrets, is looking to the future and is naturally taking on the leadership role at Mercedes alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli. His remarkably solid start to the season confirms this – three podiums in five races have allowed him to take on new responsibilities.

“I’m just continuing to do my job, as I have for the last few years,” he claims. “I’m working with the same group of engineers and the same mechanics. Of course, Lewis had such an aura that his absence is felt. But in the day-to-day functioning of the team, nothing changes.”

“Honestly, I feel completely ready. Every time we had the slightest chance of pole position or a win – we took it. I feel like I’m improving from season to season. I feel ready, I have confidence and I believe in myself. And I think I’m driving as well as anyone on the grid.”

“I would never say I’m the best. Even if I thought I was, I refuse to have that mindset. Because for me, believing you’re at the top is the beginning of a downfall. You always have to believe you can be better.”

The Briton’s contract with the Brackley team expires at the end of the year, and an extension is the most likely option. Negotiations have recently progressed, but according to Russell himself, the current lack of agreement is no cause for concern.

“When Lewis was here, negotiations on his contract never started before June or July,” he notes. “It was always in the summer. What’s unusual these days is the number of drivers signing so early and for such a long term.”