Victorious George
Russell finds himself again and prepares to heap pressure on Antonelli
BAKU, Azerbaijan (AFP) — Victorious George Russell said he “has rediscovered himself” and will seek to win every race and pile pressure on his championship-leading Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The 28-year-old Briton won Saturday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix by less than two-tenths of a second from four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull to cut the 20-year-old Italian’s lead in the title race to 66 points.
“My teammates had an incredible season,” Russell said. “He’s been pretty flawless throughout, but now we’re getting to crunch time and I’m just going to focus on myself.
“If I continue giving performances like I did this weekend, at the end of the season I’ll be happy because it’s been a tough period for me and I’ll feel like I’ve come through the other side.”
He said that his approach to the remaining races was simple.
“Win them all, win every race,” he said. “That’s the game plan.”
Russell’s third win of the year, and first in seven races since the Austrian Grand Prix in June, marked a return to form after being outshone by the dazzling talent of Antonelli.
Russell said he had reflected on his early-season form and reset his approach following the sport’s summer break.
“Mainly, I think it’s just having more experience with this new driving style I’ve adopted,” said Russell. “Every race since the break, I feel like I’ve gone from strength to strength. I feel more like myself again.”
He praised the Mercedes team for backing him throughout his winless run.
“It’s amazing to be back on the top step. I do want to say a big thanks to my team because they’ve continued to believe in me through a tough moment.
“They really helped me come through it.”
Acting Mercedes team principal Bradley Lord said Russell had been flawless in the race.
“It would have been a grave injustice if he didn’t come out on top, but I am so glad he did. It was a bit heart in mouth for us when he lost his turbo boost because he had to go slowly through the double yellows – and suddenly had Max just half a second behind him!
“But he just had the legs out of Turn 15 and down the straight!”
