George Russell, Mercedes’ driver at Williams Formula 1 team, shared his learning experience from a short trip with Mercedes.
The most valuable lesson from his trip was how he adapted to one-off experience at Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton was diagnosed with COVID-19 after Bahrain Grand Prix. Therefore, he was not allowed to driver for the German Manufacturer. Russell was taken on board by the team as a replacement to World Champion.
Russell was very impressive with his debut at Mercedes. He outperformed Valtteri Bottas and was chasing for top place when he was called in for a pit stop. Punctured tyres snapped his chances of first F1 victory.
The Brit then returned to Williams for the final race of the season at Abu Dhahbi. He believes that the lesson learnt will surely help in his F1 career.
“I think the thing I’ve learned most is that you have to be adaptable,” explained Russell.
“My sort of driving style I did in the Williams actually hurt me slightly in the Mercedes.
“So when I came back to the Williams, and I tried to implement some of the things that I did in that Bahrain race, I couldn’t do it in the Williams – I think that sort of reinforced to me that you have to be open minded and you have to adapt to whatever the car is giving you.
“So if one guy drives like that in a Mercedes, it doesn’t mean you can drive like that in a Williams, and vice versa.”
Russell for Mercedes in 2022
Russell’s strong performance shadowed Bottas and has got him into spot light for a 2022 seat at Mercedes. At the end of 2021, both drivers are running out of their current contracts.
Asked what he needs to do to secure the seat. Russel said: “I think it’s continuing the form, and continuing the positive attitude internally with the team and externally.
“It’s not getting frustrated with the poor performance here, and continue to try to push Williams further forward.
“I think Mercedes believe in me, they’ve given me the opportunity, and they’ve always had my back.
“Now it’s sort of my duty that I stay true, and that I don’t suddenly change over the course of next year because of certain circumstances, and turn into something that I’m not currently.”
