George Russell: F1 can give you an 'emotional hangover'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
When George Russell switched to Mercedes' before the start of the '22 season, the Briton had hopes of competing for wins and world titles. That, of course, hasn't been the case at the Silver Arrows. The Brit managed to win one race at the 2022 Brazillian Grand Prix. Since then, it has often been doom and gloom, with Mercedes currently not even in a position to compete for podium spots. Staying mentally fit can be quite the task when dealing with so many knockbacks, and Russell believes it is just as important as his physical health.
The constant travelling across the world, the enormous pressure from fans and media, and not least from the team: Formula 1 is physically and mentally exhausting. George Russell has found that mental health is hugely important, especially as he gets older. "Maybe through my teenage years when I was going through some challenges and difficult moments myself, pursuing my dream out of school, not a lot of friends or people around me of a similar age, don't really understand what you're going through," he says.
"Then the emotional roller coaster that you're on during Formula One, even after a good weekend, you land on a Monday morning and there is sort of this emotional hangover and finding ways to deal with that for me is so important, not only for my performance, but just for my own happiness and to enjoy my life. I think we can all be better off by talking with a professional, even if you do not feel that you need it, but just to talk with somebody to potentially take a weight off your shoulders."
Russell - mental health is just as important as physical health
Russell says that talking to a mental health professional is really important for him. "For me, it often gives me ideas of how I can improve as a person and as a professional, and I really enjoy it, the same way as I really enjoy going to the gym with my trainer and staying in shape and keeping fit, I like to try and do the same psychologically." the Brit concludes.