Russell, lost in the fight for the title: “This car adapts perfectly to Kimi’s style”

At the beginning of the season, few would have imagined this situation. George Russell started the year as one of the great favorites to fight for the championship and as the natural leader of Mercedes after the departure of Lewis Hamilton. However, just a few months later, the panorama has changed radically.

The irruption of Andrea Kimi Antonelli has completely altered the dynamic within the German team. The 19-year-old Italian Not only has he proven himself at the height of Formula 1 since his arrival, but he has begun to regularly outperform his experienced teammate, leaving Russell in a position as unexpected as it is uncomfortable.

After another complicated classification, The Briton acknowledged that he is going through one of the most difficult moments of his time at Mercedes and admitted that even he doesn’t understand exactly what is happening.

“If I knew what the problem was, I probably wouldn’t be in this situation.”

Russell explained that the start of the season was practically perfect. The Mercedes seemed to adapt perfectly to his driving and the results came naturally.

“At the beginning of the year everything was very easy. Every lap he did, whether in practice or qualifying, he was first or, at worst, second. In each session, in each Q1, Q2 or Q3, we were always on top“

However, the last races have represented a radical change.

“The last three races I just haven’t been there. Even in Canada it was a real battle to get a competitive lap. In the end I managed to pull something special out of my sleeve at the right time, but to be honest, there was also a bit of luck. Right now I’m lost and I don’t really know why.“

The difficulties seem to be related to the evolution of the car throughout the season. Russell believes that some of the changes made to the car have altered its behavior in a way that impairs your natural driving style.

“We’ve seen some things in this year’s car that don’t fit my driving style in the same way that last year’s car did.”

Although he avoided going into technical details, the Briton hinted that the differences between his driving style and Antonelli’s could be behind the current situation.

“Kimi and I have always had different driving styles. It was already evident last year and it is also evident this year.”

What is most striking is that what seems to be harming Russell is directly benefiting the young Italian.

“Last year’s car suited me perfectly. This year, however, seems to suit Kimi perfectly.“

Far from looking for excuses, Russell assumed that part of the solution is to modify his own approach behind the wheel.

“If I need to adapt, I will. “I’m going to do everything possible to adjust my driving to what this car needs.”

However, there is one question that remains unanswered.

“What I can’t understand is why the start of the season was so simple. If the car really doesn’t fit my style, Why was it working so well at the beginning of the year? That’s the part that baffles me.”

“Honestly, I’m pretty disoriented right now.”