George Russell backed for F1 title after 'hard yards' Mercedes experience

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle believes George Russell may be rewarded this year for the “hard yards” he has endured so far in his career.

Russell joined the grid as a Mercedes junior driver in 2019, spending three uncompetitive years at the back of the field with Williams.

In 2022, he received a promotion to Mercedes right as the Brackley-based squad suffered a slip down in the pecking order as a new regulation cycle came into play.

The latest rules reset is in effect this year and following an impressive shakedown event from Barcelona, Mercedes is being tipped by many to lead the pack at the opening round of the year.

Together with team-mate Kimi Antonelli, Brundle backed Russell to embark on a successful campaign for Mercedes.

“He must sense there's a chance of a world championship here, George Russell,” Brundle told Sky F1.

“Kimi Antonelli will be even closer to him this year. He's got that experience under his belt, he went on the missing list last year for nine races. 

“But impressively, for such a young man, he kept his head together and brought that around and gave George a much closer run in the final stage of the season

“They're two very well-matched drivers, but these cars will be quite flighty from time to time in certain conditions - safety car restarts, wet/dry, 'will it-won't it?' kind of moments.”

With Russell entering his eighth F1 campaign, Brundle has backed the Briton to use his experience to come out on top in the head-to-head fight once again - but does not feel Antonelli is in danger of being ousted if he does not keep pace with his team-mate.

“George's experience will show. If I had to guess, I'd put my money on George on season long. But those two will be mightily strong,” he said.

“[Kimi] has got so much support in the team, so much support from Toto and everybody.

“He's the heir apparent there. that's quite obvious. He doesn't have to keep looking over his shoulder all the time. 

“He can just get Bono in his ear, which is brilliant for him. What a pairing. What a great lineup they've got. 

“George looks very reassured, don't you think? 

“He's spent a long time at Williams, He then moved to Mercedes just as they stopped winning a lot of everything, basically. 

“He's put in the hard yards, and maybe this is his moment.”