Russell aims to emulate Hamilton and Alonso 'I'll race into my 40s'
F1 News
It was almost unheard of for F1 drivers to continue racing into their 40s, with the nature of the sport usually being too much to continue with. However, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, and especially Fernando Alonso, those barriers look to be broken down, and many drivers on the grid today are looking forward to continuing their racing for many years to come. And one of those excited to do so is George Russell.
Russell 'sees no reason' as to why he can't race in his 40s
The Mercedes driver may only be 26 years old, but in 2024, it is already his sixth season behind the wheel of an F1 car. But speaking to the Daily Mail, Russell believes he can emulate the likes of Alonso and continue in the sport for years. "I’m 26, and Fernando Alonso is 43. Seeing him perform as he is, I see no reason why I can’t go into my forties. So, I know my time will come. I’m not worried at all.
"What gives me hope is that Max was in his seventh season when he fought for a title and I’m in my sixth. I believe we will get our chance. Now it is Max’s chance, but for the first six years, it wasn’t, which was frustrating for him. So, I have to keep working hard and not lose motivation. You don’t know when that chance will come," continued Russell.
Even though it is now his third season at Mercedes, he has never had a title-challenging car, but Russell is confident that his team can get back on track: "We have a great team and have other great people joining. And we have James [Allison] back at the helm and he’s letting nothing slide. There’s clear leadership."