MIAMI — One of many extra fascinating driver media classes at Arduous Rock Stadium this steamy Thursday?
The one delivered by Mercedes driver George Russell.
Late within the afternoon at Arduous Rock Stadium, when many media members have been searching for out shade and hydration greater than anything, Russell settled right into a chair in entrance of the assembled media, grabbed a microphone, and addressed his present teammate, a potential future teammate, and dominance in Formulation 1.
Early in his session, Russell talked concerning the gradual begin from Mercedes, and the place the staff finds itself heading into this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. “I believe there’s been numerous learnings from the previous races, and I believe we discover ourselves in a a lot better place now that we’ve performed some excessive set of choices between the races,” mentioned Russell to the media, together with SB Nation.
“We all know the place the automotive is working, and it’s finest, I believe. Now we simply must to superb tune that and construct upon it. It’s a greater basis. So we’ve bought some some small replace to the automotive this weekend. I believe a number of of the groups are bringing updates, So whether or not there’ll be a change within the order, who is aware of,” continued Russell. “However I believe we’re all in good spirits.”
The dialogue turned to the longer term at Mercedes. As has been well-documented Russell’s present teammate, Lewis Hamilton, is headed to Ferrari for 2025. That leaves one of many most-coveted seats within the sport, a spot at Mercedes, obtainable for subsequent season.
A reputation that has been linked with that seat? None aside from that of Max Verstappen.
Would Russell welcome Verstappen as a teammate?
“I made it clear that I’d welcome anyone,” mentioned Russell. “I believe having an opportunity to to signal somebody like Max? Each staff would would go for it. And as I mentioned earlier than, I’d like to have that chance going in opposition to Max.”
Russell then in contrast driving alongside Verstappen to his present scenario.
“I really feel privileged to have an opportunity to be teammates with Lewis. He nonetheless is, you realize, statistically the best driver of all time,” added Russell. “To try this [again with] someone like Max could be nice for me, personally, as a result of I consider in myself. In my skills.”
There’s one other driver within the combine for Mercedes, wunderkind Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 17-year-old driver has been taking part in testing classes with Mercedes this season whereas competing in F2, and has additionally been talked about as an choice for the staff beginning in 2025. Requested by Will Buxton of F1TV on having Antonelli as a teammate subsequent 12 months, Russell famous that he has been impressed with the younger driver.
“There’s little question that he’s gonna be in a Mercedes sooner or later sooner or later,” acknowledged Russell. “Time will inform, however yeah, he’s a terrific driver and received all the things in his junior profession.
“So there’s no purpose to not see him in Formulation One,”
Formulation 1 has seen an explosion of latest followers the previous few years.
Nonetheless, these followers have arrived at a interval of dominance from Verstappen and Crimson Bull. Verstappen has received three-straight Drivers’ Championships, and positively appears on his technique to a fourth given his begin this season. Crimson Bull additionally look en route to a different Constructors’ title themselves.
From Russell’s viewpoint, dominance is a part of life in Formulation 1.
“Whenever you be a part of a staff like Mercedes, we’re all right here to win. However that’s the identical for Ferrari. It’s the identical for McLaren,” described Russell. That was the identical for Crimson Bull in the course of the Mercedes dominance period.
“And sadly, that is Formulation One. You at all times see, I believe it’s truthful to say you at all times see dominance. If you happen to look 30 years in the past, you had Williams dominating. You had McLaren dominating, after which it was Ferrari dominated,” continued the Mercedes driver. “Then Crimson Bull, then Mercedes. So I believe the modifications that we’re seeing within the regulation and the fee cap with the winter time it’ll convey the sector nearer collectively.”
So far as this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, Russell is optimistic that the staff has realized extra concerning the W15, and believes some upgrades might assist their battle up the desk. He additionally outlined how different groups have seen dramatic enhancements with improve packages, and maybe Mercedes can begin one thing comparable this weekend.
“I believe there’s been different examples displaying that once you convey an improve to the automotive, should you get it into that candy spot, yow will discover numerous efficiency,” described Russell. “We noticed it with Aston Martin within the 2022 winter. We noticed it with McLaren final 12 months, so we now have to maintain on believing that we will obtain a soar like that.”
“However we’re additionally being practical,” cautioned Russell. “We all know that weekly, in that battle with these 4 groups, it received’t take lengthy to make that swing. So you realize, we’re bringing some upgrades to the race this weekend. I believe McLaren and I believe Aston Martin had their [upgrades] final week. So everyone’s bettering their automotive. However you’re typically bettering on the similar charge.
“And that’s the problem.”
Russell and the remainder of Mercedes get their first crack at that problem with Friday’s single observe session, earlier than qualifying for the F1 Dash race right here on the Miami Grand Prix.
