F1 News
Russell: 'The 2023 season was not up to Mercedes' standards'
- Ludo van Denderen
Throughout the weekend, George Russell was fast - even the best in FP1 and FP3 - but in the important moment, the Mercedes driver got no further than spot four. It is a good starting position for a podium finish, the Briton himself realised during the traditional drivers' parade.
"I think a podium is certainly possible and what we're chasing. Obviously we have the fight with Ferrari for P2 in the team's championship but the best way to secure that is to beat them on track and that's the aim."
P2 important for Mercedes
For Mercedes, the second place among the constructors is hugely important: "It would definitely be a great boost for the whole team going into next season but we know this season has been a very challenging one. Not to the standards that we expected. Regardless of if we achieve it or not this weekend, it will change nothing over the winter. Everybody's so motivated for next year fully pumped up making some good gains and super motivated for the next season's car. Of course we want to end on a high but it it's not going to change the world," Russell said.