George Russell has given his verdict on the new season. (Image: Getty)
has stated that it’s not feasible to set a specific target for race victories in the upcoming Formula 1 season. For the first time since his arrival at , the British driver is the undisputed leader of their drivers this year.
His impressive performance against over three seasons has convinced that Russell is prepared to guide the team into the future without the seven-time champion. The power dynamics on the grid in 2025 remain uncertain.
The more hopeful forecasts for the upcoming season suggest that the top four teams and all eight drivers could be in contention for the title and regularly vying for the podium. This could provide ample opportunities for Russell to surpass his total of two race wins from 2024.
However, he would have had three victories if he hadn’t been disqualified after the Belgian Grand Prix due to his car being underweight. But simply standing on the podium more often this season won’t necessarily satisfy Russell.
The 27-year-old asserts that he will only feel content if he doesn’t let any chances slip away throughout the season.
“My goals are very much the same and the approach has not changed,” he shared with the official team website. “Formula 1 is so unique, so you cannot really set goals like that.
“If I say that I want to win four races this year because last year I won three [sic], I am not going to be satisfied if I win five but the car is capable of 10.
George Russell is now team leader at Mercedes (Image: Getty Images)
“I tend to keep my goals on more details targets. Last year, qualifying was my strength but my race pace was not always the best. I know I have the speed over one lap but there is no reason why I should not be able to convert that over the course of a race.
“I need to work on some elements to achieve that, and there will be some other goals – that perhaps are not clear to the fans at home but are at the forefront of my mind.
“The great thing about F1 is you enter a new year, with a new car and new limitations – something that may have been a strength last year may not be this year. You always have to adapt.”
Russell is among five British drivers on the F1 grid this season, representing a quarter of the 20 drivers with a race seat in the top-tier single-seater category.
Alongside Russell and Hamilton, is spearheading ‘s efforts, newcomer Oliver Bearman secures his first permanent spot in the sport with Haas, and of Williams, who competes under the Thai flag but holds dual nationality.
This article first appeared on .