Synopsis
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Mercedes driver George Russell outlines his goals to enhance race pace following a commendable performance in 2024, where he excelled in qualifying against teammate Lewis Hamilton. With a new teammate on board, Russell aims to convert his qualifying speed into consistent race results.Key Takeaways
- Russell aims to improve race pace.
- He outperformed Hamilton in qualifying.
- New rookie teammate is Kimi Antonelli.
- Adaptation is key for the new season.
- Training regimen started early for fitness.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) As the 2025 Formula 1 season nears, Mercedes driver George Russell has outlined his primary objectives for the year, emphasizing the need to enhance his race pace following a commendable 2024 season characterized by strong qualifying performances.
Despite the mixed results for Mercedes in 2024, Russell excelled in qualifying, surpassing his seven-time World Champion teammate Lewis Hamilton by winning the head-to-head contest 18-6. However, the Briton's race-day results have not always aligned with his one-lap speed, leading the 26-year-old to concentrate on converting his solid qualifying outcomes into reliable race performances.
In an interview with the official Mercedes website, Russell shared that his goal-setting strategy is meticulous rather than fixating on specific race victories or championship standings. "My goals remain consistent, and my approach hasn't altered," Russell stated. "Formula 1 is incredibly distinctive, so setting goals in that manner is ineffective.
"If I declare that I want to win four races this year because I won three last year, I won’t find satisfaction in winning five if the car is capable of ten.
"Qualifying was my forte last year, but my race pace wasn’t always optimal. I understand I possess the speed for a single lap, but there's no reason I can't translate that into a full race.
With Hamilton departing for Ferrari at the conclusion of 2024, Russell will welcome a new rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli, who is set to debut in F1 with Mercedes. As Russell assumes a more senior position within the team, his capacity to deliver strong race results will be critical in Mercedes’ quest to regain title contention.
Russell underscored that every new season brings distinct challenges, and past strengths may not guarantee future achievements. "The beauty of F1 is that you enter a new year with a new car and fresh limitations. What was once a strength may not hold true this year. Adaptation is essential."
As the Silver Arrows aim to recover after being bested by Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari in 2024, Russell is eager to witness the evolution of Mercedes' new W16 challenger. "What’s exhilarating about returning is seeing the team's motivation to go racing and evaluate how the car performs."
Like all elite drivers, Russell’s preparation for the season encompasses not only the car but also his personal fitness and mental resilience. He revealed that his intense training regimen commenced on January 2 under the guidance of his trainer, Aleix, noting that the second week of training was particularly intense.
"For me, exercise transcends physical appearance; it significantly enhances my well-being and supports my mental health – that’s why I remain committed to it."
Russell made sure to stay active during the winter break to preserve his peak physical fitness for the demanding 24-race F1 schedule.
Mercedes has announced they will unveil their 2025 livery at the F1 75 Live season launch event scheduled for February 18 at London's The O2, followed by the official W16 car reveal on February 24. This will be succeeded by pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 26-28, with the season commencing officially at the Australian Grand Prix from March 14-16.
The 2025 F1 season will feature 21 races across five continents, commencing with the Australian GP in March and concluding with the Abu Dhabi GP in December.
A significant change in the schedule involves the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will now commence at 8 PM local time, two hours earlier than the previous 10 PM start time in 2024. This adjustment aims to enhance accessibility for European and East Coast audiences.
