British driver George Russell sees no reason why Mercedes cannot contend for the F1 titles next year when he will take on a new role as team leader.
Whilst Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has always insisted there is no driver hierarchy within his organisation, it has generally been understood that Lewis Hamilton’s longevity and status as a seven-time F1 champion affords him the ‘number one’ tag.
For next season, with Hamilton joining Ferrari and regardless of who will replace the 39-year-old, Russell can expect to take on such a mantle, particularly if Wolff opts to bring in rookie Kimi Antonelli.
Russell is boosted by the fact Mercedes head into the post-summer break period as the team in form after winning three of the closing four grands prix before the August shutdown period.
The Briton triumphed in Austria and took the chequered flag in Belgium, only to be disqualified in the latter due to his W15 being overweight, handing the victory to Hamilton.
Regardless, Russell could not be happier with the situation. Asked whether, as team leader next year he is putting the building blocks in place for a more consistent title run, he replied: “Absolutely!
“I think for all of us, It’s been a difficult couple of years getting the car into a place where we can consistently fight for victories.
“But I’m so motivated, so excited for the second half of the season, which is ultimately building up towards 2025, and when you look at the competition now, there’s no reason why we can’t fight.”
Mercedes’ turnaround began in Canada where Russell knows he should have clinched the win only to finish third due to a couple of mistakes in changeable conditions that cost him dearly.
As he points out, however, if the championship had started in Montreal, the title picture would be considerably altered. Mercedes would be in second place with 170 points, 12 points behind McLaren, and 38 ahead of Red Bull.
As it stands, of course, Mercedes is currently fourth in the standings, 100 behind McLaren, and 142 adrift of Red Bull.
“If the season started in Montreal, the championship standings would be looking very, very different,” said Russell before looking ahead to the remainder of this season and into 2025.
“It’s going to be great. There’s so much motivation from all the other teams to get back to the front, from McLaren, from Ferrari, from ourselves.
“It’s not going to be easy, and hopefully we have a good fight on our hands into next year.”
