George Russell admitted he needs to improve his race pace<\/b>, acknowledging that it wasn’t always the best in 2024.<\/p>\nA solid season for the Mercedes driver<\/h2>\n
The Briton had a strong 2024 season, significantly outperforming his teammate Lewis Hamilton. He outqualified him 19 times out of 24 Grand Prix events, becoming only the second teammate after Nico Rosberg to beat the seven-time world champion on a Saturday.<\/p>\n
The former Williams driver won two races in 2024<\/b>, notably in Las Vegas, where he claimed victory from pole position. However, George Russell believes he still needs to improve on race day.<\/p>\n
\u00ab My goals remain the same, and my approach has not changed \u00bb, said the Mercedes driver in an interview on Mercedes’ official website.<\/p>\n
\u00ab Formula 1 is unique, so you can’t really set objectives in that manner. If I say that I want to win four races this year because last year I won three, I won’t be satisfied if I win five when the car is capable of winning ten. \u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00ab I tend to set more specific goals for myself. Last year, qualifying was my strong point, but my race pace wasn’t always up to par. I know I have speed over one lap, but there’s no reason why I can’t convert it over an entire race. \u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00ab I have to work on certain elements to achieve this, and there will be other objectives that might not be obvious to the fans but are very clear in my mind \u00bb, he explains.<\/p>\n
\u00ab What is great about F1 is that each year brings a new car and new constraints, what was an asset last year may no longer be this season. You always have to adapt. \u00bb<\/p>\n
With Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, George Russell becomes the undisputed leader of the Mercedes team<\/b> in 2025. He will be partnered with the 18-year-old prodigy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.<\/p>\n
Considering Kimi Antonelli’s lack of experience, George Russell is expected to lead the team and could be in contention for the title, especially since he hasn’t hesitated to challenge Max Verstappen, at least off the track.<\/p>\n
However, with Mercedes’ difficulties since the introduction of ground effect, it remains to be seen if the team will have a car capable of fighting for the championship.<\/p>\n