George Russell has elaborated on his work with a sports psychologist as his Formula 1 title challenge faces mounting pressure. The Mercedes driver currently sits third in the standings, 59 points behind teammate Kimi Antonelli and nine points adrift of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
The 2026 season was initially expected to be a two-way championship battle between the Mercedes drivers. However, a series of reliability issues for the team and inconsistent weekends for Russell have allowed other teams to close in. Mercedes’ early performance advantage has been significantly reduced by the development pace of rivals Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.
Russell has secured two Grand Prix victories this season, compared to six for his teammate Antonelli. Technical problems have been a recurring theme, with Russell suffering a costly retirement at the Canadian Grand Prix due to a battery failure. Other issues related to the power unit have also appeared during the campaign.
The Briton has been working with a sports psychologist since 2020, but clarifies this is not solely a tool for difficult periods. He views it as a way to maximise his own performance and his interaction with the team around him.
‘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 stated.
He emphasised that the sessions are not just for managing adversity. ‘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,’ he added.
Russell named his fiancée Carmen Montero Mundt, team principal Toto Wolff, and driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue as key figures in his support network.
The process also helps him maintain self-belief by focusing on past achievements. ‘This helps, but it also helps to remember what you’re capable of,’ Russell explained. ‘When I think of my career, I think of my successes; I remember what I can do. That gives me the belief and faith.’
