Mercedes driver George Russell has opened up about his long-standing work with a sports psychologist, making clear the sessions go far beyond simply helping him through difficult moments.
Russell has previously spoken publicly about seeking mental health support, including discussing therapy in an interview with Men’s Health, and has now expanded on what those sessions actually provide him.
The British driver has been working with his sports psychologist since 2020, and says the primary focus has been maximising his performance rather than managing crises.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Russell explained: “I’ve been working with a sports psychologist since 2020. This was more to help me get the most out of myself – but also the people who I work with, how best to handle the pressures of a race weekend, or how best to handle my energy over the course of a season.”
Russell was keen to stress that the support is not purely reactive, noting the work helps him operate at his ceiling consistently throughout the gruelling Formula 1 calendar.
He added: “It isn’t necessarily to help in the really tough times. That’s a great help, but I’m very fortunate that I have a great group of people close to me.”
Among those Russell credited for their support are his now-fiancee Carmen Montero Mundt, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, and departing Mercedes development advisor Gwen Lagrue.
Russell said of those figures: “My girlfriend [now fiancee], Gwen, Toto. These people have supported me.”
The 28-year-old also explained how the psychological work helps him maintain confidence and belief in his own abilities during the highs and lows of a season.
He stated: “This helps but it also helps to remember what you’re capable of. When I think of my career, I think of my successes; I remember what I can do. That gives me the belief and faith.”
Russell currently sits third in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship heading into the summer break, trailing his young Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 59 points.
With around 12 races remaining in the season, Russell will need a strong run of form to mount a genuine title challenge against Antonelli and the frontrunners ahead of him.
His openness on mental health and sports psychology serves as a reminder that elite performance in Formula 1 demands as much attention to the mind as it does to physical fitness and technical preparation.