George Russell says he’s assured Mercedes are “not going to fall into a trap” with their 2025 automobile in the identical manner they’ve performed in current seasons.
Mercedes gained eight successive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021 however have struggled, not less than comparatively talking, since new design laws had been launched initially of 2022, which was additionally when Russell joined the group.
The Silver Arrows gained only one race throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and though they topped the rostrum 4 occasions in 2024, fourth place within the groups’ standings behind McLaren, Ferrari and Purple Bull was their lowest end since 2012.
These struggles have been dictated by a weak start line for every of the final three campaigns, however within the ultimate season earlier than the laws change as soon as extra, Russell is optimistic concerning the group’s probabilities of being aggressive from the off.
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George Russell says he has no considerations over Max Verstappen and admits issues obtained out line of in 2024 between the pair.
Talking as Mercedes’ W16 was revealed at F1’s all-team launch in London, Russell mentioned: “I believe it is going to be a big change this 12 months, to be sincere. Yearly we have uncovered an issue, we have solved it, and it is created a brand new one.
“We have in all probability been much more disciplined with each change that we have made and been extra thorough than ever when it comes to the simulator operating – simply to make sure we’re not going to fall into a brand new entice.
“And so far, it’s a reasonable step, obviously you have no idea what everyone else is doing and it’s going to be, I feel like, quite an interesting season with how people deploy the resource between 2025 and 2026.”
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Jack Whitehall poked enjoyable at Max Verstappen and George Russell, in reference to their disagreement from the tip of final season.
Russell famous the affect of the efforts of his new team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Italian who has changed Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time world champion’s change to Ferrari.
“I’m more confident this year that with the work we’ve done on the sim – we’ve got some really great simulator drivers putting in lots of effort, Kimi’s been doing some really great work as well – I’m much more confident we’re not going to fall into a trap as we have done in the previous years.”
Requested to elaborate on what precisely he had meant when he spoke of “a trap”, Russell defined: “I believe the final the final couple of years we have been so targeted on fixing the issue we weren’t waiting for what future points it will trigger.
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Toto Wolff reveals that the group has recognised the place the automobile was weak, whereas George Russell believes they will really feel optimistic Mercedes are going within the ‘proper course’ with their 2025 automobile.
“You solve one thing and then it creates a new problem, so we’ve been forward-thinking much more than we have done in the past and that’s quite normal in the world of, like, aero when you’re developing in the wind-tunnel, but when you’re changing characteristics of the car and how it’s going to handle and how it’s going to feel for us driving it – if you make the front stronger it’s going to take away from the rear. And if you go too far, that’s just as much of a problem than if it’s in the opposite direction.
“So, I believe it is actually being thorough, saying, ‘these are the basic modifications we’ll make, we predict it is going to do ‘x’, is that going to be an issue at these races and in that case, how are we going to drive round it?'”
Russell eyes race tempo enchancment
Regardless of Mercedes’ lack of consistency, Russell typically impressed in 2024 as he completed 22 factors away from Hamilton within the drivers’ standings.
Russell was significantly dominant over Hamilton in qualifying, bettering his team-mate 19-5 in Grand Prix qualifying whereas additionally establishing a 5-1 benefit in Dash periods.
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Toto Wolff and George Russell talk about the place they need to rejoice the Las Vegas GP victory!
Contemplating that benefit, the hole between them within the total standings might need been higher, and Russell acknowledges he can nonetheless enhance his race performances.
Requested what he can do to achieve the following degree, Russell mentioned: “You’ve got to work in tandem with the team because it is man and machine and they sort of work together.
“I really feel final 12 months the automobile – effectively, the final couple of years – the automobile has form of suited my driving model fairly naturally, however I really feel I can adapt to no matter is coming my manner.
“My qualifying performance last year was my strength. I still felt I had more to bring in the race and I think these last three years have shown that.
“I believe in 2022 my outright velocity was by no means questionable however Lewis in all probability had the sting of me within the race tempo, after which every year I’ve simply obtained stronger and stronger, so [I’m] simply seeking to hone in on that a bit bit extra.
“And I’ve recognised the tracks that I’ve struggled at and that I want to work on. So yes, small details.”
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