Russell with hope for Mercedes fans? 'Am very optimistic about 2024'

Mercedes is not where they hoped to be in 2023. The aim was to get back in contention for victories after a disappointing 2022 season, but they have not succeeded. A podium finish seems to be the best result achievable. George Russell is not lulled by Mercedes' season and even looks at it from the positive side.

New regulations in Formula 1 started in 2022. Ground effect is particularly important with the current set of regulations. Mercedes still haven't mastered these new rules as of yet and as a result have scored only one victory since the new regulations. The German constructor won eight consecutive constructors' titles before this huge change.

Russell switched to Mercedes' team in 2022 and thus missed out on major successes. However, the Briton actually sees opportunities in his team's somewhat disappointing season. "It's been a tough season [so far] with some missed opportunities, but every setback is a chance to learn and grow. I've personally learned a lot, and professionally, it's made us stronger as a team," Russell said in an interview with Mercedes.

2024 should then be the year when Mercedes will return to the top. Rumours suggest that the German team will switch entirely to the RB19 concept of the dominant Red Bull Racing. In any case, Russell is very excited about the next F1 season: "I'm optimistic about next year. Seeing the progress that other teams have made, like Aston Martin and McLaren, is encouraging. If they've managed it, so can we!".