Russell Targets a Return to the Top as Mercedes Upgrade Arrives

George Russell believes Mercedes’ long-awaited upgrade package could help him return to the front of the field, as he looks to build on his Azerbaijan Grand Prix victory and revive his championship challenge.

Baku win changes the picture

Russell converted pole position into victory in Baku, beating Max Verstappen by less than two tenths. The result cut his deficit to team-mate Kimi Antonelli from 81 points to 66, with eight rounds remaining.

Russell noted that McLaren has been particularly strong at more conventional circuits, citing Budapest, Zandvoort and Madrid. He hopes the new package can help Mercedes recover ground on layouts where it has recently missed out. The planned step is also the focus of Mercedes’ major upgrade preparations for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Confidence back, one race at a time

Russell previously discounted his title chances after Antonelli’s eighth Grand Prix win of the season in Madrid. His outlook has shifted as his performances and confidence have improved.

“I now feel in a position that my performances are strong enough to fight for victory week in and week out,” Russell said. Before the summer break, he felt he was falling short both in the championship and in his performance from weekend to weekend. Now, he says, he has a clearer sense of what he needs from the car and from himself.

He added that he no longer feels lost, and that driving has begun to come more naturally again. The upgrade may also bring “a few characteristic changes” that could suit him, though its impact remains to be seen.

Russell is not looking beyond the next race. With the points gap reduced and his confidence restored, his immediate aim is to keep delivering strong performances—and see whether Mercedes’ latest package can help him challenge at the circuits that have recently favoured its rivals.