Russell says 2026 season tested his character and resilience – ‘This won’t be my last shot’
George Russell reflects on a roller‑coaster 2026, vowing to keep fighting for the title and reminding fans why his Mercedes campaign matters for India.
Mercedes driver George Russell opened up about the highs and lows of his 2026 Formula 1 campaign in an exclusive interview with Formula1.com. The British racer admitted that the season has been a true test of his mental fortitude, but he remains convinced that his title chances are still alive.
What the season has thrown at him
Russell said the early‑season reliability issues at the Silverstone Grand Prix and a costly pit‑stop error in Melbourne forced him to reassess his approach. “When the car let me down in the first few races, it felt like the whole championship was slipping away,” he told the outlet. Yet he highlighted a turning point at the Monaco Grand Prix, where a strategic tyre gamble and a flawless qualifying session put him on the podium, restoring confidence in both the driver and the team.
He also spoke about the pressure of being the second driver to a multiple‑world champion, noting that the internal competition with teammate Lewis Hamilton has sharpened his focus. “Every time I step into the garage, I’m reminded that I have to earn my place, not just sit on it,” Russell said, adding that the rivalry has pushed Mercedes to develop a more aerodynamic chassis for the upcoming 2027 season.
Looking ahead – the fight is far from over
Despite the setbacks, Russell insists the championship is still within reach. He pointed to the upcoming Singapore night race as a crucial opportunity to close the points gap, especially with the new “Sprint” format that rewards aggressive qualifying. “If we can nail the sprint and get a strong finish in Singapore, we’ll be back in the hunt,” he explained.
Russell also hinted at possible upgrades to the power unit that could be introduced at the Japanese Grand Prix, a move that could give Mercedes the extra edge needed to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. “We’re not just waiting for the car to improve; we’re actively working with the engineers to extract every ounce of performance,” he added.
For Indian fans
The next two races – Singapore (7 Oct) and Japan (21 Oct) – will be broadcast live on FanCode in India, with start times at 22:00 IST and 20:30 IST respectively. Russell’s promise of a “last shot” will be on full display for Indian viewers, who can watch his battle for points and his quest to keep the title fight alive. As the season heads into its decisive phase, Indian fans can expect high‑stakes drama, especially with the sprint format adding an extra layer of excitement.
Source: Formula1.com