Exclusive: George Russell reveals psychologist help: 'Not necessarily for tough times'

George Russell has opened up on his experience talking to a sports psychologist to improve his performance on the F1 track.

The Briton has endured a challenging campaign this year, having entered the season hoping to surge towards a maiden title.

However, Russell has faced various setbacks with reliability, but has also been out-paced by team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who now sits 59 points clear of Russell in the drivers' standings.

While it has not been the first half of the campaign Russell was hoping for, helping him along the way is his use of a psychologist - but the sessions are not solely being used to aid him through adversity.

“I've publicly spoken that I work with a sports psychologist whom I've worked with for a number of years,” Russell exclusively told RacingNews365.

“I've been working with a sports psychologist since 2020. This was more to help me get the most out of myself - but also the people who I work with, how best to handle the pressures of a race weekend, or how best to handle my energy over the course of a season.

“It isn't necessarily to help in the really tough times. That's a great help, but I'm very fortunate that I have a great group of people close to me.

“My girlfriend [now fiancée], Gwen [Lagrue], Toto [Wolff]. These people have supported me.”

Lagrue played a major role in Russell's rise to F1 with Mercedes, but has since announced his exit from the team to join Red Bull from 2027.

Question marks have been asked in recent times over Russell's future with the team, especially with the rise of Antonelli - however, Russell detailed that his psychologist sessions help him focus on his core strengths.

“This helps but it also helps to remember what you're capable of. When I think of my career, I think of my successes; I remember what I can do.

“That gives me the belief and faith.”