It’s secure to say George Russell’s time at Mercedes hasn’t gone as he had imagined it. Coming off the again of an uber-dominant period led by Lewis Hamilton, Russell hoped the Silver Arrows would kick off the 2022 Method 1 guidelines period in related vein, solely to be hamstrung by a recalcitrant and bouncy lineage of vehicles that Mercedes did not get a constant tune out of.
However amid Mercedes highs and lows over the previous few campaigns, Russell confirmed he has what it takes to choose up the baton from the departed Hamilton, and delivered his finest and most constant season but in 2025. After witnessing Lando Norris seize a world title final yr, will Russell now lastly get his flip in yr 5 of his Mercedes stint?
Ronald Vording – Russell can capitalise on his expertise and consistency
When occupied with George Russell’s 2025 marketing campaign, the phrase that involves thoughts is consistency. Within the ground-effect period, Mercedes didn’t (but) have the equipment to battle for the largest prizes, however Russell as a person proved to be remarkably constant, and at a excessive degree.
That’s precisely what’s required for his first F1 title battle and it seems that alternative has now arrived – at the least if Mercedes delivers on the potential that nearly everybody within the paddock attributes to Toto Wolff’s staff and its energy unit. Kimi Antonelli remains to be studying, so this appears to be the yr for Russell to capitalise on his extra expertise, very like Norris did final yr in comparison with Oscar Piastri.
As for the rankings, I really feel Russell ought to rating larger when it comes to consistency than in another class. His tempo shouldn’t be far behind, though when it comes to outright pace I’ve nonetheless positioned him under Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and (marginally) Norris. Due to some incidents in earlier years, his racecraft nonetheless leaves some room for enchancment, though that facet may turn out to be simpler if this yr’s Mercedes proves to be as aggressive as anticipated.
Stuart Codling – F1’s Powerpoint king might have discovered his metier
When it comes to one-lap tempo, maybe over a race distance too, I might nonetheless price Charles Leclerc as having a little bit of an edge over Russell. However not a giant one – final yr Russell actually advanced as a competitor, and would possibly even have been nearer to the final word championship battle had Mercedes not gone down a blind alley with its rear suspension.
Famously, Russell made his pitch to affix Merc’s junior driver programme with the help of a PowerPoint presentation. He’s the form of driver who will fortunately use any technological device to equip himself with a aggressive edge.
Insiders say Russell has thrown himself into the simulator programme with a relentless vitality over the winter, exploring as many permutations of the energy-management rigmarole as he can to arrange himself for making the method automated with regards to race conditions. It’s probably he’s the best-prepared of all of the drivers as they embark on what will likely be an eventful journey beneath the brand new regs.
Additionally, Hamilton likes a secure automobile beneath braking, and this isn’t what he’s going to get with the flighty 2026 machines, together with the not-always-predictable results of the electrical motor harvesting beneath deceleration. Disgrace, however the components continues to maneuver away from his ability set.
George Russell, Mercedes
Photograph by: Simon Galloway / LAT Photographs through Getty Photographs
Jake Boxall-Legge – No marvel Russell is the bookies’ favorite
The early proof means that Mercedes has a superb opportunity at combating for normal victories in 2026. If that is the case, count on Russell to spearhead the staff’s hopes at capturing a primary drivers’ title since 2020, as he seeks to hold over final season’s momentum. At 28 and embarking on his eighth season in F1, Russell ought to be in his prime – and he is acquired the psychological bandwidth and acuity to make successful of the 2026 rules.
He ought to have the ability to get on phrases with a automobile with a little bit bit much less downforce than earlier than – in spite of everything, he did drive the 2019 Williams for a yr – and the equipment at his disposal ought to be one of many main vehicles of the 2026 order. No marvel he is the bookies’ favorite.
How our score system works
To set the drivers aside, we’ve got taken inspiration from the official F1 recreation to attribute scores in 4 completely different classes, out of a most of 100.
Expertise (EXP): An goal rating merely based mostly on the driving force’s expertise degree by complete race begins
Racecraft (RAC): The driving force’s capacity to race wheel to wheel, both to defend a place or pull off a decisive overtake, with out touchdown themselves in hassle with the stewards
Consistency (CON): The driving force’s capacity to maintain clear, keep away from unforced errors whereas being persistently fast in a race
Tempo (PAC): Displays a driver’s tempo over one lap, largely in relation to their team-mate
Total Ranking (OVR): The 4 above classes will likely be mixed into an general score, weighted in direction of Tempo.
Learn Additionally:
We wish your opinion!
What would you prefer to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Staff
