Russell confident: 'We want to put that fight against Max'

George Russell is keen to compete in both World Championships with Mercedes in the new season. Whereas in his first season he had to settle for a place just off the top, the Brit thinks he can take a big step forward this calendar year.

"I am going into my fifth year of F1," Russell stated to GPblog and others. "I've had three difficult years at the back of the grid. Feel like last year was a good taste. I feel ready in myself and the team I have around me to fight."

At the end of last season, Russell took both a victory in the sprint race and main race in Brazil, fuelling his confidence for the new racing year. For the talented driver, it is clear that he wants more than one win this year.

Russell wants to compete with top teams

To do so, however, he will have to face the competition, which Russell says is likely to be tough. "We want to put that fight against Max. I am sure Ferrari will come out of the blocks fast," he added.

Russell therefore hopes Mercedes can be competitive again in the new season and therefore fight at the front. "This is why I had the dream of being an F1 driver and what I'm working towards every day. We will do our best to achieve that."