George Russell discussed the mental approach he adopted upon joining Mercedes to become the teammate of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. After racing with Williams for three years, Russell made the move to Mercedes in 2022, stepping into a high-pressure environment.
The British driver described this transition as an immense leap in his career, emphasizing the psychological challenge of racing alongside Hamilton, who has shaped the team for a decade.
Adjusting Mindset Amid Unmatched Expectations
Russell explained how he confronted the pressure by consulting with his psychologist. Reflecting on this, he said he mentally reset to focus solely on his own performance during races, regardless of who sat in the adjacent garage.
“It should not matter if my team-mate on the garage next door is a seven-time world champion or if he’s a rookie or if there’s nobody there, because I’m in control of my own destiny. And that’s the approach that I had. This is on me to perform.”
—George Russell, Mercedes driver
This mindset helped him treat each race as a personal challenge rather than becoming overwhelmed by the legendary status of his teammate.
Recognizing the Reality of Competing with a Legend
Russell also acknowledged the importance of setting realistic expectations when measuring himself against Hamilton’s performance. While he had previously outperformed most of his teammates over the years, taking on Hamilton required a different mental frame.
“So that was probably the biggest psychological shift I had: accepting that my goal is to beat him over a season, but there will be times that I will be behind him.”
—George Russell, Mercedes driver
He noted that finishing ahead of Hamilton even 55% of the time in a season would be an outstanding feat, given Hamilton’s elite status as the greatest of all time (GOAT).
Russell’s Current Role and Achievements at Mercedes
Since Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025, Russell has taken over as the lead driver for Mercedes at their Brackley base. As the current season progresses, he holds fourth place in the drivers‘ standings with 172 points and secured his fourth Grand Prix victory in Canada.
His mental reset strategy and acceptance of the competitive challenge have helped him grow into the role, managing expectations while staying focused and determined.
Implications for Russell’s Future at Mercedes
Russell’s approach signifies a mature psychological balance between ambition and realism, critical for sustaining performance in one of Formula 1’s most demanding teams. As he continues to lead Mercedes, his experience battling Hamilton prepares him for ongoing challenges and the pursuit of further victories.