George Russell is looking forward to next season with a clear aim of surpassing Lewis Hamilton.
George Russell insists he is “not satisfied” with just aiming to match Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
The young Briton wants to prove he’s better than the seven-time world champion.
Russell impressed in his debut season with Mercedes, while Hamilton finished behind his teammate in the drivers’ championship for the third time.
Hamilton is back at the top of the standings this year, holding a 72-point lead heading into this weekend’s final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
It has been a frustrating year for both Mercedes drivers as they have been unable to catch up with Red Bull in race wins.
Russell has been eliminated twice this year in races where the 38-year-old has finished on the podium, while Hamilton led his teammate for most of the season.
Russell believes his biggest loss this year has been missed opportunities.
He is now focused on 2024, when he hopes to face Red Bull.
But the 25-year-old also wants to get back to the top in the Mercedes pits to give Hamilton something to think about next year.
“I’ve averaged Lewis’ level this year,” he told the Telegraph.
And I’m not satisfied with just reaching his level.
My goal is to overtake him.
But it must also be firmly rooted in reality.
I’m standing in front of the greatest rider of all time.
It’s definitely a good benchmark.
Additionally, I think the qualifying stats are exactly the same considering the sprint races.
We basically proceed at the same pace.
Therefore, there are also advantages.
And to be completely honest, I’d rather sit here thinking about pace than results.
Instead of claiming that he just got results here and there, he was actually a tenth or two off the pace.
Despite some disappointing results this year, Russell has not lost faith in his abilities and believes Mercedes is in a strong position to grow into 2024. “I’m excited too,” he continued.
I’m happy with who I am.
And next year everyone will have a fresh start.
We hope to have a season where we can perform the same as in 2022 and achieve the same results, or at least maximize those results.
My confidence still hasn’t wavered.
