George Russell has revealed he sought psychological help prior to becoming team-mates with Lewis Hamilton at Formula 1 giants Mercedes.

The Brit is now the undoubted team leader of the German marque after Hamilton departed to join Ferrari at the start of this year.

Now a multiple Grand Prix-winner, Russell is nine years senior to his new team-mate, Italian rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The King’s Lynn man is regarded as one of F1’s top drivers, emphasised by a string of impressive performances this year, including victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in June.

But when joining the Brackley-based squad from Williams, Russell would be condemned to face one of the toughest team-mates imaginable in Hamilton.

Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Russell revealed he had spoken to a psychological expert prior to his high-profile move, and they helped him reach the conclusion that success was always in his hands.

“So I was thinking about how I’m going to deal with this psychologically,” he said.

“Until one day, I had a really good conversation with my psychologist about it, about how I should deal with the pressure of being his team-mate.

“And I concluded that when I walk into the garage, I’m jumping into my race car, I’m putting my helmet on, I’ve put my visor down, it should not matter if my teammate in the garage next door is a seven-time World Champion, a rookie, or if there’s nobody there, because I’m in control of my own destiny.

“That’s the approach I have – it’s on me to perform.”

Russell has followed fellow Brit Lando Norris, who has been open and public about his own psychological frailties after his tougher moments during this year’s championship.

Alas, in the three years they were team-mates, Russell was able to finish above Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship twice, a feat never achieved for a team-mate of Hamilton’s before, perhaps proving his course of action was indeed the correct one.

READ MORE – Why George Russell feels Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton needed ‘fresh start’ for F1 2025

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George Russell has detailed how he has learned to avoid enduring a “psychological struggle” as he continues to await a title-contending car with Mercedes in Formula 1.

The Brit has, under many circumstances, enjoyed another positive year in his F1 career, lying fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, just 15 points behind Max Verstappen.

Amid the difficulty, shared with many drivers, of keeping up with the rampant McLaren squad this year, Russell has once again shown calm, fast and consistent driving.

The Mercedes driver has also had to contend with persistent rumours over the summer about his future with Mercedes due to the alleged talks it held with Verstappen.

But despite all of that, Russell has scored six podiums, one being a superb and commanding victory in Canada.

Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Russell revealed how he has had to mentally find positives in the results he has been realistically able to achieve, even if they are not victories.

“I think you learn that you have to take those small victories,” he said.

“You got to adjust your goals to what is a realistic goal for this given weekend, or what is the realistic goal for this given season.

Russell insists 2025 F1 struggles should not deter Mercedes

Russell called for patience within the ranks at the Brackley-based squad, admitting that whilst it is currently failing in its bid to win the championship, it is not yet the end of the world.

“To win the championship this year is not a realistic goal,” he added.

“Of course, we’re working towards that, but if we don’t achieve that goal, we shouldn’t be kicking ourselves, because we’re just not in that position right now. 

“And that’s when we go into every single race weekend thinking: ‘Right, we think we’ve got an opportunity to fight for the podium here.’

“If I finish in fourth place, I won’t be happy. If I finish in second, I will be. 

“Or on the flip side, if we believe we can win this weekend, but we only come home in third, that might be a better result than all the other races, but you’ve underachieved compared to the potential. 

“You have to teach yourself to take those small victories, otherwise you’re going to get in a sort of a negative spiral of psychological struggle, and that’s only going to impact your performance later down the line. 

“So, you’re not doing this just so you’re staying happy. You’re doing this to continue performing at your 100 per cent.”

READ MORE – The complex ‘compromise’ that Mercedes encountered with failed F1 rear suspension

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George Russell believes Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes after 12 years together in Formula 1 was needed for both parties to have a “fresh start”.

The 2025 season began with optimism for Mercedes, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and capped by Russell’s victory in Canada.

His rookie team-mate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, also claimed his maiden podium at the same race, adding to the team’s early momentum.

Since Montreal, however, Mercedes has faced challenges following an ill-fated rear suspension upgrade introduced at Imola.

The modification led to unpredictable handling, prompting the team to revert to a previous setup ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The decision proved effective, with Russell securing a podium whilst Antonelli recovered from a poor qualifying to finish in the points, signalling a positive shift in form.

Conversely, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has proved far from straightforward.

Despite early optimism, including a Sprint Race win in China, he has struggled to adapt to the SF-25 and consistently lagged behind team-mate Charles Leclerc.

In Budapest, the seven-time World Champion faced another challenging weekend, prompting self-critical remarks and fresh questions about his F1 future.

Yet Russell remains adamant that the change was needed and ultimately beneficial for both Hamilton and Mercedes.

“It’s a different feeling within the team,” he told Autosport. “But ultimately, you only look towards one thing, which is the performance.

“We obviously started really well. Now we’ve had a run of bad form. I hope we can get that back on track, but there’s always pros and cons to every change that you make in any organisation.

“But I think the change was with Lewis. It’s good for him. It’s really good for us as a team; a fresh start. Sometimes you need to break that mould to find yourself back on track.”

Russell on Antonelli’s progress and Mercedes’ focus on 2026

While Hamilton has faced difficulties settling in at Ferrari, Russell has been closely observing the progress of his new Mercedes partner, Antonelli.

Despite mixed results in qualifying and races, Russell insists that the Italian’s pace relative to him has remained consistent.

“The fact is, his pace delta to me is no different – I think that’s what people don’t see,” he added.

“In Canada, I was on pole and he qualified fourth, but he was six tenths behind me. In Belgium, he was out in Q1, and I made it to Q3, but he was only three tenths off.

“People look at the underlying result, but the truth is he’s still making progress, even though we as a team have gone backwards.

“But suddenly you’re now in the fight where a tenth can be six or seven grid spots, whereas before, for the positions we were fighting for, a tenth is plus or minus one position.

“Kimi and I had just taken an equal step backwards over those last few races.”

Russell also stressed that Mercedes’ recent dip in performance should not be seen as a long-term issue.

Most of the team at Brackley has already moved on to development for the 2026 car, meaning the setback has minimal impact on next year’s project.

“It’s obviously a totally different concept going into next year, but you still need people feeling creative, feeling confident with themselves, and the simulations and tools working properly,” he explained.

“Ultimately, this is a sport based upon decisions and upon people, because the people are who create the simulations and everything, and we need them in the best place possible.

“Of course, this recent lack of performance is not ideal, but actually, the truth is 95 percent of the workforce is already on 2026. So, that group of people is not in the sort of emotional cycle that you would ordinarily be in.”

READ MORE – How George Russell vindicated Mercedes’ faith versus Lewis Hamilton

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George Russell has denied the notion that the delay behind him signing a new contract with Mercedes is due to his desire to possess a longer-term deal in Formula 1.

The announcement that Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull has all but guaranteed that Russell will retain his place at Mercedes, alongside Kimi Andrea Antonelli.

Having delivered his strongest campaign to date with six podiums in 14 races, Russell wouldn’t be begrudged angling to agree terms that mirror his value to the team.

But despite his recognition that Mercedes could reignite interest in Verstappen at a later date, Russell has indicated that contract length has not been a sticking point.

The Briton, who is reported to be in discussions over a prospective renewal until 2027, has reiterated that his results on track will continue to determine his prospects.

“The priority for me is having a World Championship-winning car, and I want that to be with Mercedes. That is the number one priority,” Russell told Autosport.

“I think drivers who are chasing long-term deals feel they need that security.

“I’ve never had a long-term deal, and I don’t need a long-term deal, because it should always be about performance.

“And if I’m not performing, the team shouldn’t be tied in with me. That’s as simple as that.”

Likewise, Russell has noted that not being locked into a long-term deal leaves his options open in case Mercedes is unable to provide him a title-challenging package.

“It should work both ways,” he added. “But I’m not really chasing anything right now, and I’ve not really been in a position to chase.”

Russell willing to be patient at Mercedes

Mercedes had won an unprecedented eight consecutive Constructors’ titles up until the most recent regulation change in 2022, which coincided with Russell’s arrival.

But while Red Bull and McLaren have dominated since then, Russell has expressed his willingness to bide his time at Mercedes with new rules on the horizon in 2026.

“I’m definitely more hungry than ever just to try and perform,” the ex-Williams driver claimed.

“I would have hoped by now, seven seasons in, I would have at least had a year of fighting for a championship.

“When I joined Mercedes, we thought every year would be a championship fight. Unfortunately, it hasn’t turned out that way.

“It’s been the same for Charles [Leclerc] as well. Arguably, nobody would have predicted two years ago McLaren would have made this step. Lando [Norris] did five years with them and had no [title] fights either. So, you’ve just got to accept the fact that that is the nature of F1. That’s always been the case.

“And you look at Michael Schumacher, he was in his fifth year with Ferrari, in his 30s, before he won a championship with them. I’m 27, so I’ve still got a bit of time on my side.”

READ MORE – How George Russell vindicated Mercedes’ faith versus Lewis Hamilton

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Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has candidly conceded that George Russell was the better driver than Lewis Hamilton last season for the team in Formula 1.

2024 was Hamilton’s swansong with the Brackley-based squad after 12 years together, racking up six Drivers’ and eight Constructors’ titles from 2013 onwards.

And on paper, the 40-year-old’s final season with the Silver Arrows was littered with standout performances, including wins at the British and Belgian Grands Prix, respectively.

That said, taking the whole season into perspective, Russell did have the legs over the seven-time World Champion.

Not only did the 27-year-old outscore Hamilton, but he also had more than the measure of the Briton on one-lap pace, out-qualifying him comprehensively by a margin of 19-5.

Looking back, Wolff was pretty candid in admitting that Russell was in fact the “stronger driver” out of the duo.

“When I look at George, the development he’s made since he joined Formula 1 from the fast kiddo in Williams, and then being drafted into Mercedes, clearly with the greatest of all greats, with Lewis Hamilton,” Wolff said in a video Mercedes published.

“And you’ve seen already last year he started to be so strong on pure pace – in terms of the results, the stronger driver.

“And now with Lewis having gone to Ferrari he’s taken the senior driver slot, and it completely came naturally and he delivers.”

Wolff hints at positive Russell contract negotiations

Wolff’s flurry of praise for the 27-year-old comes interestingly amid a prolonged period of negotiations with Russell for a race seat with the team in 2026 and beyond.

As things stand, neither party has put pen to paper. And the Briton has admitted that his contract situation with the team is not going to change over the summer break either.

Coming into the break, rumours had intensified that Wolff was looking to sign a disillusioned Max Verstappen from Red Bull, further drawing question marks over Russell’s future.

But with the Dutchman committing himself to the Milton Keynes-based squad until at least the end of 2026, it looks more than likely that Russell will continue with Mercedes alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the time being.

It might be that the Austrian’s open adulation of Russell is setting up an announcement about his contract extension sooner rather than later.

“He delivers, even when the car is not on the level, he outperforms the car, you can always count on George,” continued Wolff.

“And beyond the driving, obviously he’s also great with our partners and does a lot of activities that help us to build his brand and build our brand.

“So we couldn’t wish for a better number-one driver.”

READ MORE – Is 2026 F1 reset a last reckoning for self-proclaimed ‘useless’ Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari?

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli has revealed that he hopes to be matching Mercedes team-mate George Russell for pace by the end of this year’s Formula 1 season.

The Italian’s debut season in F1 has not been smooth sailing by any means, after a barren run without points since his maiden podium in Canada two months ago.

But there is no doubting the 18-year-old’s ability, and much of the difficulties suffered since his finest moment in Montreal can be pinned on the W16’s unpredictability.

Antonelli was able to show what he was capable of earlier in the season, in which he scored the bulk of his current haul of 64 points.

And Canada aside, his greatest achievement to date was perhaps his stunning pole position for the Miami Sprint back in May.

However, one-lap pace has become an issue for Antonelli, something he explained in more detail to Auto Mundo und Sport.

“I’m still struggling to understand how much the car can deliver over a qualifying lap,” he said.

“You’re so close to the limit that it’s very easy to go a little over it. I’m still trying to find that fine line.”

“The grip is extremely high in qualifying,” he added. “You go into the corners so much faster than in the race.

“And on every lap, you think: ‘I can go even faster through this corner.’ I’m not yet at the point where I’m at the absolute limit on the first lap.”

Antonelli said he believes he is “feeling my way towards the limit,” but noted that qualifying “doesn’t give you many opportunities to work your way up to it.

“On top of that,” he concluded, “the limit changes constantly with the conditions. But I’m working on it.”

Antonelli hopeful of matching Russell: ‘He’s one of the best’

Despite a tough second quarter of the campaign, it is clear that Antoneli still has the backing of everyone at the Brackley-based squad.

The W16’s much maligned suspension upgrade, which has now been abandoned, has been given a big share of the blame in his downturn in performance.

And whilst Antonelli gave himself a harsh review of his qualifying pace, he gave himself a fair assessment of some of his race abilities, notably tyre management.

“I find tyre management easier because you don’t drive at the absolute limit in the race,” he said. “Then you also know better how much the car will forgive you.”

There appears to be little problems in Antonelli’s confidence, has he hopes to be able to match Russell by the end of the year, a high target given the even higher praise he lavished on him/

“My goal has to be to drive the same times as him,” he explained. “I also believe that’s possible. George is having an extremely strong season.

“He’s showing that he’s one of the best. Especially when the car is working, he demonstrates what he can do.

“He’s a really challenging teammate. If I were at his level at the end of the year, that would be an honour.”

READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton applauded by Mercedes for being ‘fantastic ally’ to Kimi Antonelli

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George Russell has recognised Mercedes’ talks with Max Verstappen wouldn’t have been restricted to contact about a move to the team in Formula 1 for 2026 alone.

Russell signing a new Mercedes deal is considered a waiting game as boss Toto Wolff claimed last weekend that he will be with the team beyond the current season.

There had been speculation surrounding the Briton’s prospects since he dropped the bombshell that Mercedes had engaged in renewed discussions with Verstappen.

Wolff has long harboured an interest in the Dutchman, who confirmed in the lead-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix that he will be racing for Red Bull once more in 2026.

But while that has ceased the rumours, Wolff has divulged that his conversations with Verstappen’s camp also revolved around sounding out his long-term intentions.

“I think he’s [Russell] triggered the whole media avalanche,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1.

“I’m sometimes maybe naive, but I try to be transparent with the drivers.

“And I said to him, ‘Listen, I have the obligation of exploring what Max is doing to do in the next few years.’

“I think he came out with it wanting to show, ‘I’m aware of what’s going on, there’s nothing happening behind my back.’ And I’m fine with that.”

Russell acknowledges Mercedes planning ahead

The consensus throughout the saga had been that Verstappen would remain at Red Bull with a view to assessing how the grid has shaken out with new rules in 2026.

Mercedes would be inclined to ensure that it has a vacancy available for 2027, which could have an impact on the terms that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli agree.

Russell, who has asserted that a contract must suit both parties, is under no illusion that Mercedes will be among the teams planning ahead when it comes to drivers.

“The fact is most teams are talking with most drivers to worry about their future,” Russell told media including Motorsport Week.

“It’s not just the short-term future of next year, there’s conversations already going on for drivers of ’27, ’28, ’29.”

The Briton has recounted how Mercedes had mapped out that he would be integrated into the side’s line-up from 2022 when it agreed to loan him to Williams in 2019.

“People have always looked many years in advance,” he highlighted.

“When I was at Williams, when I signed in 2019, 2022 was always the projection for me to join the team [Mercedes], if that makes sense.

“So, the situation we find ourselves in now, I don’t think it’s abnormal.”

Russell at ease over Mercedes contractual saga

Meanwhile, Russell, who is revelling in his strongest campaign to date with six podiums in 14 rounds, expressed that he has never been worried about losing his drive.

“From my side, there is no tension because there’s two cars to every team,” he added.

“I’m performing the best I’ve ever performed. I have the majority of the points for the team. So, if you look at the facts, you would argue my job is safe.

“So, that’s why I’m not concerned at all, because if I stop performing [then] maybe I need to be concerned.

“But I need to be more concerned about my performance, not my future.”

READ MORE – Why there is no ‘fixed timeline’ for Mercedes to finalise 2026 F1 driver line-up

The post Mercedes talks with Max Verstappen not limited to discussion over F1 move for 2026 appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Mercedes has explained why it has yet to officially confirm its 2026 Formula 1 driver line-up, emphasising there is no “fixed timeline” for making such announcements.

While the team remains fully committed to retaining George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the German marque is taking a measured approach to securing its future.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has stressed multiple times as of late that the team’s intention has always been to head into next season’s rule change with the same pairing.

That is irrespective of the potential to lure Max Verstappen to the team, which seems near impossible after the Dutchman put an end to such rumours at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Russell himself has stressed continuously that he isn’t worried when the deal will actually be struck, remaining confident in his own abilities to secure his future with the team.

Shedding further light on the situation, Mercedes Communications Chief Bradley Lord reiterated the team’s commitment to Russell and Antonelli.

“The fact that we haven’t yet announced what we’re doing in 2026, there can be myriad reasons for that,” he said.

“Our full confidence, our full intention is exactly that [continuing with Russell and Antonelli] for 2026, as Toto has said many times.

“At some point in the future, there will be an announcement, a confirmation of what we’re doing in 2026.

“The full intention is that we want to continue into 2026 with George and Kimi, and they’ve got our full confidence.”

Mercedes explains contract negotiations are not ‘bounded by hard deadlines’

Addressing Wolff’s second pursuit of the illustrious Verstappen, Lord stated that exploring all options is a necessary part of responsible team management.

“Toto has talked about exploring what the medium-long term picture is – that’s the obligation of any team boss and any team management to do so,” he said.

He also stressed there is no rush to finalise decisions, adding: “There’s no fixed timeline because a timeline just creates a barrage of questions if that isn’t hit.

“These things are not bounded by hard deadlines and things like that. Again, I think you can take Toto’s words at face value.”

Russell achieved yet another podium finish in Budapest, signalling his ability as one of the hottest prospects in F1 as of right now.

However, when pressed by Sky Sports F1 once again about his future, the British driver replied: “I’ve got nothing to be worried about.

“And nothing’s going to happen over summer because, honestly, I just want to have a rest and recharge and come back stronger for the second half of the year.”

“But there’s no time pressure either way now. So it’ll happen when it will happen.”

READ MORE – George Russell rules out new Mercedes deal being signed during F1 summer break

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George Russell has declared that a new contract with Mercedes will not be signed during the Formula 1 summer break amid his eagerness not to rush developments.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff revealed to media including Motorsport Week post-race at the Hungarian Grand Prix that Russell will be racing with the team beyond 2025.

That comes as rumours surrounding Max Verstappen making a blockbuster move to Mercedes have ceased since he announced that he will be remaining at Red Bull.

With Verstappen not available, Mercedes is expected to embark on next season’s rules overhaul with Russell alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli in an unchanged line-up.

But amid reports that a prospective deal has been agreed, the Briton has insisted that the situation won’t be resolved prior to the campaign restarting later this month.

“I’ve got nothing to be worried about,” Russell, who secured his sixth podium this season at the Hungaroring last weekend, told Sky Sports F1.

“And nothing’s going to happen over summer because, honestly, I just want to have a rest and recharge and come back stronger for the second half of the year.

“But there’s no time pressure either way now. So it’ll happen when it will happen.”

Russell willing to be patient in Mercedes talks

Russell has stressed that he is willing to bide his time in discussions over a renewal as he and Mercedes work towards settling on an outcome that suits both parties.

“I’m 27 now, I’ve been with the team for four years,” he added. “Next year would be my fifth.

“We want to build the relationship together, but it’s got to be right and I don’t want to rush it.

“I’ve been waiting 12 months. I’m not going to just rush it in the course of two weeks. So we’ll sit down when the time is right.”

READ MORE – Why George Russell isn’t getting ‘carried away’ with Mercedes resurgence in Hungary

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed that George Russell is certain to pen a contract extension to remain with the team in Formula 1 beyond the current campaign.

Russell, alongside team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, has been made to wait to receive a concrete assurance over his seat as he doesn’t have a deal in place for 2026.

The Briton prompted heightened speculation to ensue about his prospects when he leaked that Mercedes had engaged in renewed discussions with Max Verstappen.

However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff asserted in the build-up to last month’s Belgian Grand Prix that he intends to retain Russell and Antonelli in an unchanged line-up.

That is all but guaranteed to be the case as Verstappen, whose exit clause will not become active, disclosed last week that he will continue with Red Bull next season.

And amid reports that a prospective renewal has been agreed between the two parties, Wolff has stressed that Russell will race with Mercedes into F1’s rules change.

“Well, George has always had good cards, because he has delivered since 2018,” Wolff told media including Motorsport Week.

“There wasn’t a season he wasn’t there, and nothing changed that in our thinking for next year.

“So, just because you don’t talk outside doesn’t mean that things are progressing in your relationship internally, and when it comes to contract, let’s see.

“We will come out and say what kind of term we’ve put forward, but definitely, he’s staying. The team is strong. He has shown it today again.”

Russell relaxed about Mercedes contract delay

Russell, who added to his podium haul with third at the Hungaroring, reiterated prior to last weekend that he has never harboured concern that he might lose his drive.

“The truth is I’ve never feared losing my seat,” Russell, who is now 15 points behind Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship, expressed.

“That’s not even been on the table once this year. Even though, of course, you guys like to make a big deal out of it.

“But now it’s been a long time that maybe 12 months ago I was a bit more anxious and wanted to get something sorted or confirmed for ‘26.

“Maybe six months ago, I felt the same. But now I’m performing better than ever. I still feel I’ve got more to give. I’ve waited so long.

“I want to go on holiday next week and enjoy the break. And there is no time pressure on my side.

“There’s no time pressure from the team side. So whenever we come to an agreement, we’ll get it done. But it’s got to be right both ways.”

READ MORE – George Russell criticises Charles Leclerc conduct in risky F1 Hungarian GP battle

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