George Russell has hinted at 'hidden targets' he has for the 2025 F1 season - his first as Mercedes team leader.
On paper, the 2024 campaign was Russell's most successful in F1, scoring two grand prix wins and four pole positions, adding to the one of each he claimed from the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix.
Russell also crossed the line first in Belgium last year, only to be disqualified for an underweight car.
On reflection, the Briton has picked out his qualifying as a key strength, notably demolishing Lewis Hamilton 18-6 across the season. The seven-time champion failed to clinch a single P1 start.
However, Russell occasionally struggled in grands prix, an area he has identified where improvement is required. He has also suggested other targets that will not be so obvious.
"I tend to keep my goals on more detailed targets. Last year qualifying was my strength, but my race pace was not always the best," he explained.
"I know I have the speed over one lap, but there is no reason why I should not be able to convert that over the course of a race.
"I need to work on some elements to achieve that, and there will be some other goals that perhaps are not clear to the fans at home but are at the forefront of my mind.
"The great thing about F1 is you enter a new year, with a new car and new limitations.
"Something that may have been a strength last year may not be this year. You always have to adapt."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they discuss Lewis Hamilton's next two big Ferrari tests and reflect on last weekend's Daytona 24 Hours. Max Verstappen was a big talking point in Daytona, with multiple drivers calling for him to enter.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
The famous RN365 calendar download is back! Add the 2025 F1 calendar to your schedule with one click and don't miss a second of the new F1 season.
Download the F1 calendarMost read
In this article
Join the conversation!