George Russell breaks down the reason behind his 2023 performance quirks

George Russell is currently 8th in the standings and 65 points behind his teamamte, Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (Credits: Imago)

George Russell‘s 2023 F1 season has been a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance and instances that left him far from his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. The 25-year-old British driver, in his second year with Mercedes, offered insight into the inconsistencies that marked his campaign.

Last season, George Russell showcased remarkable consistency, finishing in the top five in all but three races. However, this year has seen a shift in approach, with Russell acknowledging, “We are definitely rolling the dice a bit more and really going for those big results.” The pursuit of headline-grabbing performances has come at a cost, as evidenced by his crashes and a significant point deficit to Lewis Hamilton.

On his racing journey, George Russell recalls a time when consistency was his mantra. “When I look at my championship winning years in junior formulas or go-karting, F4, GP3 and F2, I was very much the driver that would just keep on getting results,” he affirmed, speaking to Motorsport Week. However, this year, Russell’s move to take more risks has been palpable, with the Singapore GP and his Canadian GP crash chasing Fernando Alonso being notable examples.

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The fine line between pushing the limits and exceeding them has been a challenging balancing act for the young driver. He notes, “We’re not satisfied coming home in P2 or P3; you’re always chasing more.” This pursuit, while invigorating, carries the acknowledgment that errors on demanding circuits come with consequences, a lesson he appreciates in the learning process.

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George Russell acknowledges that he needs more experience to avoid crashes

Mercedes engaged in a battle with Ferrari for the runner-up spot, has seen the consequences of Russell’s more daring approach. Recent races have seen Ferrari outscoring Mercedes, closing in with 84 points to Mercedes’ 50 in the last four. Russell’s crashes have contributed to this challenging situation, as Mercedes now faces pressure to maintain its position in the championship.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (Credits: Planet F1)

Looking ahead, Russell acknowledges the need to balance risk and reward, stating, “I think it just comes with experience and just getting years and races under your belt.” The British driver emphasizes the importance of not letting setbacks dwell, highlighting the resilience required to stay at the top of his game.

As Qatar GP approaches a track that suits Ferrari’s characteristics, Russell faces a crucial juncture. The emphasis should shift from chasing headline finishes to rediscovering the consistency that defined his performances last season. With the championship dynamics at play, each race becomes pivotal for Mercedes, demanding a measured approach from Russell.