After a dismal end to the 2021 season, George Russell believes Mercedes is motivated to make a comeback this season.
George Russell has stated that he can see the “fire” within Mercedes to retaliate to the World Championship’s crushing conclusion in 2021.
Mercedes won the Constructors’ Championship for the seventh time in a row, but Lewis Hamilton was beaten by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the penultimate race, denying them the Drivers’ Championship.
Russell added his first factory visits had enabled him to feel the team’s tremendous desire to respond to that loss, having stepping up from Williams after years as part of Mercedes’ junior programme.
“Because I spent so much time with the team prior to joining Williams in Formula 1 as a junior driver, I feel like I know everybody so well already,” he explained in a video released by Mercedes, when asked about his initial impressions since starting work with the team.
“So we were just straight to business on the important bits and bobs, to understand the new car, to understand the challenges, and to try and prepare as best as possible for the season ahead.
“And I think, following the conclusion of last year, there’s so much motivation and fire within the whole factory to bounce back. And that is incredible for me to see.”
Russell anticipating an “interesting year of development”
Russell highlighted his goals for the season after joining what should be a front-running team after years of toiling at the rear of the grid.
“My hope for 2022 is to really get the maximum from myself and the team around me,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be such an interesting year of development. And I think that’s truly where all the performance is going to be this year.
“But, in terms of a result, I truly don’t believe you can put a value or target on that, because nobody knows where they’re going to be when they reach the first race.
“You have to have your micro targets on where am I going to improve on myself? Where am I going to improve on the car?
“And, if you do every single aspect correctly, you give yourself the best chance of reaching the obvious goal.”
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