Mercedes driver George Russell says his workforce mate’s resolution to increase his contract is an indication the workforce might be stronger within the years to return.
The workforce confirmed immediately Russell and Lewis Hamilton might be retained as Mercedes drivers over the following two seasons.
The pair have raced collectively because the begin of the 2022 season, however have solely gained one grand prix in that point – Russell’s victory in final 12 months’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Chatting with media together with RaceFans after the extension was introduced, Russell stated the very fact Hamilton had signed to proceed alongside him was an encouraging signal for the workforce’s future prospects.
“I feel this can be very vital to proceed with the 2 of us with the connection now we have,” stated Russell.
“You typically see when there’s a change of driver pairing, the dynamic shifts barely and it could possibly upset a number of issues internally. We all know that we’ve by no means had any points in that regard in anyway.
“There’s a wholesome competitors that’s been there since day one, however we push each other in the identical course. We’ve received comparable suggestions with reference to the automotive, which additionally helps the designers push in a single course.”
Advert | Develop into a RaceFans supporter and
Russell additionally attracts encouragement from Hamilton’s dedication to the workforce. “For me, to see Lewis persevering with is so vital. It exhibits the idea he’s received within the workforce as properly.
“I’ve received the idea within the workforce, however this can be a man who’s gained 100 races – he doesn’t must proceed. He may fortunately dangle his boots up with every thing he’s achieved. However he wouldn’t keep if he didn’t consider that the workforce was able to profitable once more.
“So I feel that reinforces the boldness that I had within the workforce. However it’s positively a lift for everyone again on the manufacturing facility and all the companions and all people to see that Lewis nonetheless needs to proceed and believes within the workforce.”
Whereas Hamilton lastly dedicated to remain at Mercedes by signing his contract extension final week, Russell admitted his contract had been signed “earlier this 12 months” throughout a “very fast course of”.
“I don’t assume it took greater than two hours’ value of conversations – only one night earlier than dinner,” Russell defined. “So it was fairly easy, by no means doubtful both means.
Russell, who joined Mercedes as a junior driver in 2017, stated he felt he was virtually “married” to the workforce.
“I’ve been a part of this workforce since I used to be 17 years previous as a driver in Method 3. Toto [Wolff] made it very clear; win F3, you’ll get into F2, win F2, you’ll get a drive in F1, do a great job with Williams and also you’ll be in a Mercedes. And in case you’re a Mercedes, you’ve received a great probability of profitable championships. So it was fairly easy in that regard.
“I feel that consistency’s so, so vital to to construct upon. We’re in that cycle for the time being of getting again to the highest. So actually, actually proud to proceed with the workforce. That is only the start.”
Bringing the F1 information from the supply
RaceFans strives to convey its readers information immediately from the important thing gamers in Method 1. We’re ready to do that thanks partly to the beneficiant backing of our RaceFans Supporters.
By contributing 1 per thirty days or 12 per 12 months (or the equal in different currencies) you possibly can assist cowl the prices concerned in producing authentic journalism: Travelling, writing, creating, internet hosting, contacting and creating.
We’ve been proudly supported by our readers for over 10 years. If you happen to take pleasure in our unbiased protection, please think about turning into a RaceFans Supporter immediately. As a bonus, all our Supporters may browse the positioning ad-free. Enroll or discover out extra through the hyperlinks under:
Advert | Develop into a RaceFans supporter and
2023 Italian Grand Prix
Browse all 2023 Italian Grand Prix articles
