The 2023 Formula 1 season has been a rollercoaster for George Russell. His journey has been marked by a mix of highs and lows, with his driving style evolving towards more risk-taking for those headline-worthy results.
George Russell’s 2022 debut with Mercedes was nothing short of impressive. He not only secured the team’s only pole position but also claimed a race win while consistently finishing in the top five throughout the majority of the season. However, the 2023 season has presented a starkly different narrative.
Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
This year, Russell has experienced a noticeable dip in performance. With only one podium finish to his name and trailing teammate Lewis Hamilton by a substantial 75 points in the championship standings, it’s clear that things haven’t gone as smoothly as they did in his debut season at the team.
Crashes in Singapore and Canada post him P3 and P4, while an unforced error in Monaco saw the Brit throw away a certain podium as well.
Russell candidly acknowledges that his inconsistent 2023 season stems from a deliberate shift in approach, which he aptly describes as “rolling the dice a bit more” in pursuit of headline results. He reflects on this transformation, saying: “I think 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.”
However, the dynamic nature of the 2023 season has seen Russell and his team embrace a different philosophy. He states:“Whereas I think this year we are definitely rolling the dice a bit more and really going for those big results.”
This shift in mentality has seen Russell and his team pushing themselves to the limit, as exemplified by his recent crash in Singapore while chasing victory.
“You saw it here [Singapore], Zandvoort [staying out on slick tyres on a damp track] we obviously got it wrong, but it’s another reason I’m definitely pushing myself above and beyond.”
Russell’s perspective on pushing boundaries and extracting more than what seems possible is evident as he says: “I think you run up against the best drivers in the world and you’re testing yourself. We’re not satisfied coming home in P2 or P3; you’re always chasing more at the same time.
Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
“When I was at Williams, when I crashed, I knew I had to give it everything if I had half a chance of keeping that. Equally, I would have been kicking myself at Williams if I didn’t give it everything and I lost the position.”
While the 25-year-old reflects on the recent Singapore performance, he highlights the importance of learning from experience and finding the right balance between risk and experience. Russell maintains that it’s a skill honed over time and emphasizes how crucial it is to not dwell on past setbacks, stating: “You cannot change the past, it’s as simple as that, and we’re on to the next one, and that’s behind us.”
“There’s definitely a reason for all of them [the points lost], and that’s just pushing to the limit,” he explained. “Then potentially on both occasions, potentially pushing over the limit and trying to extract more than possible.”
In his view, facing setbacks head-on is vital, as the Brit notes: “I think in life you can let these setbacks dwell on you; you can overthink and let it consume you. But ultimately, that brings nothing. So you’ve got to have that moment where it knocks you down, you get up one morning, put your clothes and shoes on, and go again.”
