George Russell’s Journey: How the Mercedes Star Redefined Happiness

Prepared and eager to chat in the cozy atmosphere of the softly illuminated space.
Mercedes
motorhome,
George Russell
Has the presence of someone well-aware of the importance of 2025 for his Formula One journey. This marks his seventh season overall, fourth with Mercedes, and his first year since leaving the team.
Lewis Hamilton
As his teammate, unshaken in his self-assurance and resolute in his beliefs, it’s time to rise to the occasion. Given that his contract ends at the conclusion of this season, it’s time to claim the top spot as number one.

“I don’t believe I’ve attained my pinnacle just yet,” Russell states.
The Independent
in Imola, having recorded four podiums in six races, his best start to a season. “What’s changed? It’s been an evolution… I was just driving at 110 per cent too often in the past.

I was aiming for significant victories and wasn’t concerned about making occasional errors as long as I achieved them. I did secure some major wins, including a pole position at Silverstone; however, I also erred in races like Montreal and Singapore.

But now I understand that consistency is key; that’s who I truly am, which is also why I succeeded in F2 and F3. When I joined forces with Lewis [in 2022] as teammates, it felt like jumping into the deep end since my progress had stalled during my time at Williams. In those initial races with Mercedes, I learned more than I did over my final 18 months at Williams.

But now, I understand when to increase the volume and when to decrease it. I’ve been improving steadily – and I haven’t reached a stopping point yet.

Russell’s
engrossing feud
With the four-time Formula 1 world champion
Max Verstappen
Towards the end of last year, when he referred to the Dutchman as a “bully,” it highlighted his confident and resolute attitude, whether the visor was up or during the chaotic whirlwind of the situation.
F1
paddock.

Beyond his responsibilities as a Mercedes Formula 1 driver, the 27-year-old serves as a director for the GPDA (Grand PrixDrivers’Association), which essentially acts as a labor union for all 20 racers competing on the circuit. Taking up this position in 2021, Russell has become the primary voice for the drivers following the turmoil within the FIA.

The controversy surrounding profanity, which Russell calls “absurd,” is just one of many ongoing disagreements between the motorsport regulatory authority and those behind the wheel. According to recent comments from his teammate Kimi Antonelli, Russell is the most engaged member within the drivers’ WhatsApp group. Despite this, he remains unapologetic about embracing this responsibility.

“Ultimately, when I joined the GPDA, nobody foresaw the series of events that have occurred recently,” he states, issuing a caution about the upcoming trajectory of the sport.

F1 is currently surfing a high tide, yet it can easily crash down with just a small shift. Both F1 and Liberty Media have excelled with ventures such as Las Vegas, Netflix, and the F1 film. However, instability reigns supreme within the extra party—the FIA—and their substantial influence over the sport remains unchanged.

If that gives way, everything could fall apart.

Russell expresses his viewpoints on these issues, which largely involve Formula 1’s intricate political landscape, with remarkable poise and wisdom. It makes one wonder if a potential future in politics isn’t entirely out of the question?

“I don’t think so, but never say never in life,” he chuckles. “I want to win and be successful, whether that be playing padel or cards or racing.

I will define success in my own terms. However, happiness is also considered success. My brother [Benjy], who has three children and is happier than he’s ever been, exemplifies this for me.

It’s simple to get completely caught up in the chaotic, worldwide realm of Formula 1, yet Russell stays down-to-earth even with his strong desire for race wins. “Reading the news every day provides me with perspective,” he states.

We often believe that this is the most crucial aspect globally. However, it isn’t. Toto [Wolff, Mercedes CEO] couldn’t make it this weekend as his son is graduating; naturally, that takes precedence. During the pandemic, things like these became far more significant.

What can make me feel joyful? In today’s world, we’re constantly exposed to numerous achievers. While some focus on wealth, individuals like Musk, Bezos, or Bill Gates have different measures of success. For instance, with Gates, it revolves around his philanthropy efforts. His sense of fulfillment comes from assessing the influence he has through his charitable endeavors.

With Russell, things are straightforward at present: he continually aims for greater achievements. Seeking improved performances and increased victories in races. However, he also desires more downtime.

“Burn-out is a semi-regular occurrence,” he reveals, amid 24 races a year across six continents and a swathe of commercial and sponsorship appearances. He notes that all his off-track engagements will be a critical element of upcoming contract negotiations with Mercedes, which he insists he is “relaxed” about.

“Ultimately, I’m not going to sit here and say my life is rough. It isn’t. But it’s about remembering that I’m a professional athlete, top five in the world at what I do. It’s about operating at 100 per cent. If I’m not, I can’t perform.

“The racing is the easy bit. I’d be happy with more races, without the other stuff that goes with it.”

Of course, by “stuff”, he also means media commitments, of which he has a multitude every Thursday of race week, making his engaging and thoughtful responses all the more noteworthy.

His priorities remain obvious, though. Joining Mercedes at just the wrong time – his first season in 2022 marked the end of the Silver Arrows’ near decade-long dominance of the sport – Russell is desperate for the sweet taste of victory to become a weekly regularity. New engine and chassis rules in 2026, at this early stage, appear geared towards a potential Mercedes renaissance.

“What motivates me? I just want to emerge victorious,” he states, looking forward to round eight this weekend in Monaco, where he lives when not at the racetrack.

Some desire wealth, others seek joy, and many aim for success. However, you must define what matters most to you and pursue your personal aspirations rather than those of another person.

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