Russell had thought in advance that he had already won at least one GP

George Russell had to wait three years for his chance at the Mercedes team, but in 2022 it was finally here. The young Brit has had seven Grands Prix this season, but only two podiums. Prior to the season he had hoped for much more, he admitted honestly.

Since 2014, Mercedes grabbed the World Constructors' Championship every year and thus won an awful lot of races. At the very moment that Russell joins the team, the Brackley factory is struggling. During the winter months, Russell thought he would have won his first Formula 1 race by now.

"I think if you told me prior to the season that we'd be seven races in and I wouldn't have a victory to my name, I would have definitely been a bit disappointed with that. But I think given the pace of the car and given where we've been as a team, I've been reasonably pleased with how I've performed," Russell said. According to the Mercedes driver, he himself has maximized in the opening stages this season.

Russell aims for title

On Formula1.com the 24-year-old driver acknowledged that he can still do a lot better than what he is currently showing. Russell is still getting used to it at his new employer. "You are constantly striving for more when you understand the car more, the tyres more. And, you know, I want to fight for this championship." The world championship has not yet put Lewis Hamilton's teammate out of his mind.

There is no reason to do so either, as Russell is currently in fourth place in the World Championship. His gap to the leader Max Verstappen is just 41 points, despite the Dutchman of Red Bull having already won four races. It has therefore mainly to do with Verstappen's retirements in Bahrain and Australia.