George Russell is embracing a self-focused approach as he contends for the Formula 1 world championship. The Mercedes driver, who recently secured a victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, is determined to remain true to himself, regardless of external perceptions.
"If I am liked, fine. If I am not liked, I am not going to lose sleep over it," Russell stated. "In my younger days I was more conscious of pleasing the fans or doing things that weren’t authentically me... Now I just want to be myself. I only care what those I love think of me."
This shift in mindset comes as Russell navigates a competitive season, with momentum building around his 19-year-old teammate, Kimi Antonelli. After his win in Austria, Russell is now 40 points behind Antonelli with 14 races remaining.
Russell attributes his resilience to his working-class upbringing. "I didn’t grow up seeing people in fancy cars or flying everywhere in private jets," he explained. "When you get into Formula One you see the wealth and some people, through no fault or fortune of their own, have a slightly easier path."
His father, Steve Russell, a seed and wheat merchant in Norfolk, instilled a strong work ethic. Russell has since repaid the estimated £1.5 million his parents invested in his career by selling the family business. He also draws inspiration from his girlfriend, Carmen Montero Mundt, whose family experienced significant financial loss in the 2008 global financial crash, reinforcing the idea that giving up is not an option.
Title Contention and Teammate Dynamics
Despite speculation about team favoritism towards Antonelli, Russell remains unfazed, emphasizing the team's collective goal. "There are 2,000 people in the team and they are all on a bonus if we win the constructors’ championship, so why would there be favouritism?" he questioned. "We are both allowed to race, unless the team’s overriding aim to win the maximum points available is under threat."
Russell's victory in Austria ended a 112-day drought since his season-opening win in Melbourne on March 8. He has also been assured by team principal Toto Wolff that he will drive for Mercedes next season, putting an end to rumors linking Max Verstappen to the seat.
Rivalry with Lewis Hamilton
Russell also shared his perspective on his former teammate Lewis Hamilton, who is currently mounting a title challenge with Ferrari. Hamilton is just five points behind Russell in the standings. "I think he will be a serious title threat," Russell said of Hamilton. "He’s still got it. He gives me the inspiration of resilience. Everyone counted him out... It is that it has clicked for him. He is happy driving the car, he has faith in his team. He is working well on the setup, getting the tyres in the right window."
Russell expressed hope that he is regaining a similar connection with his car, recalling his own period of strong performance last year and at the start of this season. "I hope I am getting it again. I am working on the car, how I want it, and we saw the results in Barcelona and Austria."
Silverstone Prospects
Looking ahead to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Russell remains optimistic despite a mixed record at his home circuit. He cited the qualifying pole position he achieved two years ago as a career highlight, particularly the atmosphere created by the home crowd. "The fans are the purest of the year," he noted. "Qualifying on pole two years ago was a highlight of my career for the atmosphere at my home race in front of a home crowd."
He reminisces about watching the 2009 British Grand Prix as a child, recalling the excitement of seeing the leading Red Bulls. "I need to be asked about this to remind myself of where I have got to, and to wonder what that 10-year-old kid would think of me 17 years on being in that race."