From Monaco to Canada: Mercedes F1's Stunning Revival

Following a lackluster start, Mercedes F1 has surged post-Monaco, setting the pace in the recent Grand Prix circuits.

Mercedes F1, which had a sluggish start to the year, has transformed dramatically since the Monaco Grand Prix or the Canadian Grand Prix. They have become the team to beat—Lewis Hamilton has won 2 of the last 3 Grand Prix, and but for the disqualification of George Russell at Spa, Mercedes would have achieved a double victory!

“It really feels like something has clicked,” George Russell confirmed to the New York Times.

“Perhaps we aimed too high, or maybe we were too bold in our decisions over the last two years. Maybe we just made up for it with this latest series of developments. On the simulator, it really works well. I didn’t believe it at first, before Montreal, because the gains seemed too significant—and then at Montreal, we were literally flying.”

“That’s why we’re all sitting here eagerly awaiting what the next few weeks will bring.”

What accounts for this dramatic turnaround in performance at Mercedes F1, which has finally found its guiding star?

George Russell hints at a reason: the full-time return of James Allison as the team’s technical director…

“With James at the helm, it allows the hundreds of people in the design office, the aerodynamics department, and manufacturing to do what they do best. It feels like something is falling into place.”

“It took some time, but between James and Toto, I truly believe in it. They are a killer pair!”

In Canada, for instance, George Russell admits to squandering too many points. But, as he acknowledges, not contending for the title, he opts for riskier strategies.

“If I were battling for the championship against Max, I would say okay, fine, today’s result is second place and I accept that, but I need to mitigate risks. However, today, I want a win. I desire victories to my name… That’s the mindset I am in right now.”

“In 2022, I finished in the top five more often than any other driver on the grid, but I would rather finish sixth in every race and secure two wins than finish fifth, fourth, or third in every race and not claim any victories.”

“I hope this mentality will change next year if we have a car capable of competing for the championship.”

How Russell maintains his mental health

In Canada again, George Russell faced a barrage of criticism on social media. Mercedes F1 was accused of favouring Russell over Hamilton, an allegation that Lewis quickly refuted…

All this reinforces a radical decision Russell made a few months ago: to delete all social media apps from his phone.

“There’s a lot of hate and negativity on social media. Regardless of the subject, I would say in 50% of the cases, it’s about me. I find that rather hard to fathom.”

“It’s crucial that someone takes charge to better regulate social media.”

For the past four years, George Russell has also been working with a psychologist to better manage the emotional toll of F1, which can be exceedingly challenging.

“I find it really beneficial to express my feelings.”

“This sport moves so quickly: one minute you’re a hero, the next you’re a zero. You think to yourself, ‘What’s going on?’ And most of the time, it’s all in your head.”

“I feel like I can bounce back very quickly after a tough weekend or even a difficult session. As you get older, you learn what you need as an individual. It doesn’t work for everyone; Lewis and I are very different characters, and we handle things differently. You just have to find what works for you.”

“There’s often a lot of noise outside, but inside, when I put on my helmet and step into the garage, I try to drive as fast as possible.”

Is Russell ready to lead Mercedes F1?

Next year, George Russell will be the true leader of the team: Lewis Hamilton will have moved to Ferrari, and Russell is expected to be teamed with a rookie, Andrea Kimi Antonelli…

Is he prepared to lead from Brackley?

“That has always been the case. It doesn’t matter whether I have a seven-time world champion beside me or a young rookie—or no one at all. What matters is how you handle that external noise.”