Russell on Mercedes’ development: ‘These mistakes are going to help us’

"I think we've made some good gains this season, in all honesty, There'll be a few more little things to come towards the end of the season, which will aid our learning into next season. I think it's clear that we made some mistakes ahead of the 2022 season and again over this winter," Russell began at Singapore.

"But definitely confident that these mistakes are going to aid us and help us a lot in the future. And you need those setbacks, you need those errors to set you on the right path. And I think, as a team, we're incredibly motivated to get back to the top. I think the lessons we've learned over these two years will only help us in the years to come," the Briton continued.

'Last year we had a fast car here'

Russell also talked about Mercedes’ chances this weekend. "Last year we had a really fast car and unfortunately didn't make the most of it during the weekend. I think it's so close at the moment between ourselves, Ferrari and McLaren. Aston Martin are fluctuating in performance. Hopefully, we can close the gap slightly on Red Bull here on the high downforce circuit. So I think it is that battle for P2 on the road. But you're going to have to nail every single detail because it's going to be by the smallest of margins."

Russell likes the new layout

About the new layout of the track, Russell thinks this change decreases the physical challenge imposed on the drivers. "I think it's going to make the race a bit more exciting. I think Singapore is a really great circuit to drive, but it's a little bit challenging to race on. Historically, it's only really been Turn 5 which has been an overtaking opportunity. Now I hope maybe into the new Turn 16, there'll be another chance. It'll make it slightly easier physically for us because it was obviously the longest race of the season in terms of time duration. So I think the track will probably be nine seconds or so quicker this year. So a bit shorter on Sunday."