George Russell self-doubt danger highlighted: 'Am I not good enough?'

2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg has stated there is a danger that George Russell will begin to doubt his abilities amid his challenging run of form.

Russell was the favourite to win the F1 title this year as Mercedes sprung out of the gates with the fastest car in the field.

However, it has been team-mate Kimi Antonelli who has stepped forward with a dominant run, winning eight grands prix in the opening 14 rounds.

Russell now sits a distant 81 points behind Antonelli in the standings, leaving his title hopes hanging by a thread.

Despite the challenging situation for Russell, Rosberg noted his admiration for the Briton, citing his response to the difficult period.

“I'm very impressed with George because he's really a perfectionist and he tries to cover every single aspect of his human performance,” Rosberg told Sky F1. 

“I know he's even working on his mental state. He's meditating, he's doing everything he can, and I really I admire that.

“But it's all the more it's tough for him because he doesn't understand himself.”

Rosberg points to 'really difficult' Russell situation

Russell has won just two races this year and has frequently had no response to Antonelli when it comes to race pace.

Having faced hurdles in his own career, Rosberg stated Russell is facing the danger of questioning his own abilities.

“He's always been fast,” he said. 

“He's always been you know at least level with his team-mate, and suddenly it's gone away from him, and it's really painful. 

“Because you start to doubt yourself - 'am I not enough?' 

“It doesn't matter how confident you are. It then comes. 'Am I just not good enough, or was I better in the past, and I'm just doing something wrong now?' 

“It's really difficult.