Russell hopes for improvement in Qatar: 'Our fight is with Ferrari'

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russell press conference ahead of Qatar Grand Prix
5 October 2023 at 16:53
  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

George Russell finished seventh in the Japanese Grand Prix and did not sound entirely happy with Mercedes' strategy and his battle with Lewis Hamilton after the race. It is forgotten and forgiven, as Russell hopes to compete for the front places this weekend in Qatar.

In Qatar, Russell was asked about the debriefing with Mercedes and the evaluation with Toto Wolff. "I think there's not really much more to say, to be honest. We were on different strategies. Obviously, when you're in the car, and as I said straight away, emotions are running high, it's a long race, physical race, trying to make the one-stop work, but at the end of the day, we were on different strategies," The 25-year-old Brit has nothing further to say about the incident.

At the Losail International Circuit, Russell hopes to get back on the podium with his W14. "I think the sprint race mixes things up a little bit. McLaren are going to be really quick here, I think, as we saw in Suzuka. Obviously Max, as always, week in, week out, so that will be a challenge. Our fight is with Ferrari at the moment, P2 in the Teams Championship is our goal to achieve, so that's what we're chasing."

Fighting with Mercedes

The difference between Mercedes and Ferrari is currently 20 points in the World Championship. "I think it's going to be close towards the end of the season. I think there have been a lot of missed opportunities on my side this season, so we should have had that sewn up already, but I'm confident we can secure that while still on the journey."

At the same time, Mercedes are not just staring blindly at that second place among constructors. "We're putting a huge amount of emphasis on next year's car, because P2 is obviously very important, but making sure we hit the ground running next season is the most important," he concludes.