George Russell is relaxed about the prospect of facing a new teammate, even someone of Max Verstappen’s calibre. The British driver continues to focus on himself amidst a turbulent driver market.
Mercedes experienced a bitter-sweet weekend in Bahrain, showing flashes of potential but ultimately failing to deliver.
The W15 was capable of fighting for a podium position, but cooling issues forced the Silver Arrows to run with a reduced engine mode.
Speaking to the media in Jeddah, Russell estimated a 15-second lap across the race because of the team’s incorrect configuration.
The 26-year-old even suggested the time loss could have been greater. Tyre wear and loss of track position, for example, were additional consequences of this problem.
In any case, the conversations surrounding Mercedes have generally been detached from their Bahrain performance.
Instead, rumours and speculation have gone into a frenzy as instability continues to shake Red Bull.
2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, Saturday – Steve Etherington
Despite the team’s excellence in terms of on-track performance, there is clearly a political battle away from it.
The extent of this turbulence is even leading to suggestions that Verstappen could move to Mercedes for 2025.
In the Jeddah drivers’ press conference, George Russell responded to a question about the potential of facing the Dutchman in equal machinery:
“This is my third season now alongside Lewis, the greatest driver of all time.
“And I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job alongside him. So whoever were to line up alongside me next year, or the years to come, I welcome anybody.
“I welcome a challenge. You always want to go against the best.
“But ultimately, for me, [I’m] just focused on myself. I believe in myself.
“I believe I can beat anybody on the grid, and you’ve just got to have that mentality.
“As I said, having Lewis as my benchmark for the last couple of years has been a pretty good benchmark for sure.”
These confident statements are to be expected from any F1 driver, especially a race-winner like George Russell.
Since 2022, the Mercedes driver has competed impressively against Lewis Hamilton and will be eager to end their time as teammates on a high note.
Moreover, this year is an opportunity for Russell to cement himself as the vocal point at the Brackley-based team amidst Hamilton’s departure.
Only time will tell who races alongside the Briton next season.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
