Russell says confidence is returning as he chases Antonelli
After winning in Azerbaijan, George Russell says he feels ready to fight for victories again, despite trailing his Mercedes team-mate by 66 points.
George Russell says he has regained confidence in the Mercedes as he tries to close the 66-point gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The Briton won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, his third victory of the season and first in three months.
Russell said his performances now felt strong enough to challenge for wins consistently. He said he understood better what he needed from the car and himself, and no longer felt lost.
The adjustment followed a difficult start to the season. Russell began as championship favourite but struggled to adapt his driving style to the Mercedes, developed for new car and engine rules, while Antonelli took an early lead.
Russell said adapting had become more intuitive and that he would approach the title fight race by race. The source gives the remaining schedule as either seven or eight races.
Antonelli had a difficult Azerbaijan weekend after a qualifying crash left him starting 16th. He finished fifth and described the event as probably his worst weekend of the season, while saying it had provided lessons.
Mercedes expects McLaren to be a strong rival at the upcoming event and hopes a major upgrade will improve its competitiveness. Russell said he hoped the changes would suit him.
