Why Russell is upbeat on Mercedes' 2023 prospects

George Russell says his is confident that Mercedes can return to the front of the F1 field with their 2023 car.

Having scooped all but one available World Championship title between 2014 and 2021, Mercedes have slipped back behind Red Bull and Ferrari this year, with the W13 notably suffering from bouncing issues early in the season.

However, with it long being obvious that the Silver Arrows would not be able to challenge for the title this year, Russell is hopeful that an early switch in development focus towards the 2023 car will pay dividends.

"We have a philosophy that we're going to be trying to adopt in our development and I'm very confident that is the correct one, but equally, it doesn't mean that we can necessarily achieve it," Russell told Sky F1.

"We have a target, and that is a massive positive in itself. We know what we're chasing, we have a clear target we're trying to chase now.

"We obviously don't know how much our rivals are going to improve over this winter, but I definitely have confidence that we will have a more complete car across the circuit range going into 2023."

Russell inspired by Mercedes' vision

Mercedes caused quite a stir during pre-season testing with the W13's radical no-sidepod design.

Although the unique interpretation of the new-for-2022 regulations on car design did not result in a front-running vehicle, Russell says the striking approach epitomised Mercedes' commitment to innovation – a quality he feels will be crucial as Mercedes seek to return to the front of the grid.

"I found it pretty inspiring when we brought this new concept to the car for 2022, with the no-sidepod philosophy.

"Even though, retrospectively, it hasn't worked out for us this season, it showed an attitude within this team that it doesn't matter how much success they've had, they're still willing to push the boundaries.

"I think that gives me confidence moving into the future because you have to make these bold decisions sometimes, and sometimes they go against you, but sometimes they don't.

"If you are complacent, settling for an easy route, you're never going to win, so I think if anything that attitude is maintained, we're pushing the boundaries."