Mercedes driver George Russell has expressed his belief that he can outperform any other driver on the Formula 1 grid.
However, while confident in his abilities, he has also acknowledged that his recent form has dropped, admitting that he has started to overthink his driving, letting his teammate Lewis Hamilton lead their head-to-head battle 7-3.
In a recent interview with reporters, Russell emphasised the importance of not overthinking things and instead focusing on the basics and working closely with his team.
He expressed his desire to maximise his performance and achieve the desired results from his car without getting caught up overanalysing his driving.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Russell firmly believes that when he ticks all the necessary boxes, he is capable of defeating any competitor on the grid.
The introduction of the new-spec W14 had initially led many to believe that Hamilton had simply found better pace due to improvements in the rear-end of the car, which he had previously criticised for its unpredictability.
However, it is evident that Russell has encountered some difficulties, as he was eliminated in Q2 during both the Spanish and Austrian Grands Prix.
Russell highlighted the tendency of drivers to fall into the trap of overcomplicating things by obsessing over finer details.
He acknowledged the need to strike the right balance in order to avoid counterproductive outcomes. Despite always striving for improvement, Russell emphasised the importance of avoiding excessive complexity.
“I think sometimes it’s important not to overthink things,” Russell told reporters.
“Just go back to basics and work on the processes with the team.
“What I need as a driver is to maximise my performance and what I’m looking for from the car and just not to overthink things.
“I know that when I tick all of those boxes, I can beat anybody on this grid, and I think it’s important that you do tick those boxes.”
As the Formula 1 season progresses, Russell remains determined to regain his form and perform at his best. He recognises the need to find the right balance between pushing himself and not overthinking his driving.
Russell’s confidence in his abilities remains unwavering, and he is committed to achieving the desired results.
While Russell may have faced setbacks in recent races, his talent and potential are undeniable.
With the support of his team and a focused approach, he aims to bounce back and deliver strong performances on the track.
“We [drivers] often fall into a trap of wanting to do more work on finer details,” Russell added.
READ: Max Verstappen jokes about Lando Norris
“Work even harder, and sometimes you overcomplicate things, and it’s counterproductive,” he continued.
“So, it’s striking that right balance because I’m always striving for more.”
Russell’s determination and belief in his abilities will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his journey to regain his form and make his mark in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.