George Russell spent three years as a Mercedes junior at the Williams racing team before finally making his way into the Brackley-based team taking a seat next to Lewis Hamilton.
In an interview with F1 journalist Chris Medland, Russell admitted that he was not naive in judging the environment he was entering heading into the Silver Arrows’ camp.
Competing against Hamilton has proven to be a mentally toll-taking task in the past for many drivers and the 24-year-old was not unaware of the fact.
He had a sit down with himself and admit that statistically, he had outscored his teammates 95% of the time. Partnering with Hamilton, even if stats are 55/45 in Russell’s favour, would be hugely successful because it would be against the 7-time world champion.
Also Read: George Russell reveals he was mentally struggling in the latter part of the season
Beating Lewis Hamilton all the time is not going to happen
Going up against the best of F1 racing, Russell prepared himself for small failures. He knew that he won’t be able to beat Hamilton in every single session, qualifying or race, “that’s just absolutely not going to happen,” he said.
The 24-year-old further added that he never doubted himself, his own potential though. He always believed in himself but admitted that it is always about the mindset.
If a driver goes with the mindset of beating Lewis Hamilton 95% of the time, they will only come back with disappointment, Russell explained.
George Russell has impressed the tracks
The young Briton prepared himself psychologically as he headed into a new journey of his F1 career next to Hamilton.
The W13 saw the Mercedes’ dominance come to an end and also blew the chances of Hamilton’s record 8th title away.
Nevertheless, in his first year as a full-time driver with the Silver Arrows, Russell had to impress his bosses and he did.
As the 2022 campaign concluded, the 24-year-old finished P4 with 275 points while Hamilton could only score 240 and land himself in P6.
