Russell dissects 'smallest of margins' that led to upturn in form

Russell has stepped into the team leader role at Mercedes seamlessly after seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton departed for Ferrari this year.

The British driver is spearheading Mercedes' charge towards second in the Constructors' Championship alongside rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell explained to the media ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix that the small details can make a significant difference, and he is ignoring all the talk in the media.

He said: "You're just looking for those smallest of margins to take your level to the next step, and I think there isn't one particular thing that has been the difference.

Russell has won two races this season in Canada and Singapore amid a very competitive campaign.

Russell added that he has been able to ignore a lot of what is said during media day on Thursday and fully focus on the job he has to do on race weekends.

He added: "This external noise, to be honest, is only noise on a Thursday, and for me, it was in one ear, out the other and moving forward."

Mercedes sits second in the standings in five rounds to go, although just 10 points separate the German team, Ferrari and Red Bull.

This allows for very little margin for error in the closing stages of the world championship. Ferrari took home a good haul of points from Austin with second and fourth place finishes.

Meanwhile, Red Bull has a slightly different dynamic with Verstappen consistently ahead of his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda.

Despite Tsunoda's lacklustre speed, Red Bull are fighting for second as Verstappen has won three of the last four races.

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