Russell expects difficult season: 'That's going to be key'

George Russell is starting his first season with Mercedes this year. As expectations are high, the Briton will experience a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Moreover, the competitive environment does not make the challenge any easier.

Because of the rule changes, a lot will change to the cars in 2022. The FIA hopes in this way to make Formula 1 racing more exciting, but it also has an effect on the balance of power. Where Mercedes and Red Bull Racing have been the best teams in recent years, this could be completely different in 2022. Russell accepts that as well, as he explained in an interview with Formule1.nl.

"Ferrari will now be hungry to compete again, especially with the new rules. The same goes for McLaren. Those are teams that have the infrastructure, the talent within the engineering department and the drivers to go for that fight," stated Russell, who expects sharpness from his team. "Development is going to be key."

Shifts at Mercedes

Russell is this year's replacement for Valtteri Bottas who had been Lewis Hamilton's teammate since 2017. Partly due to disappointing results, the German racing stable decided to part with the Finn last year and Mercedes chose Russell. Bottas can be admired at Alfa Romeo this calendar year.