F1 News: George Russell Claims It Is "Do Or Die" For Mercedes To Claim A Victory In 2023

George Russell has spoken about Mercedes' chances of a race win in 2023.

Mercedes driver George Russell has explained that it is "do or die" for the Brackley-based team in order to claim a victory this season. 

The German team has struggled in the ground effect era with the W13 and now the W14. However, the upgrades which they brought in for the Monaco Grand Prix proved to show some improvements when they bagged a double podium in Spain.

During an interview with Autosport.com, the British driver analysed how two-time champion Max Verstappen's driving style has become much less aggressive now that the Red Bull team are dominating and are so far ahead. He compared this to his own driving style, explaining that he now has to be much more aggressive in order to try and get a victory. 

Russell explained:

"When you’re battling for a championship you fight slightly differently and equally now Max is probably less aggressive than he’s ever been in the past, because he’s not in a position that he needs to be aggressive.

"And he can lose a position and know that he’ll get it back later down the line. Whereas we’re probably in a bit more of a ‘do or die’ position now to get that one chance of victory throughout a season."

Red Bull has won every race of the 2023 season so far extending their lead in the constructors' championship. Verstappen is currently leading the drivers' standings with 170 points, followed by his teammate Sergio Perez who has 117 points. Fernando Alonso is in third position with 99 points followed by Lewis Hamilton and Russell with 87 and 65 points, respectively. 

Mercedes has not been at the top of the podium since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix where Russell achieved his first F1 win.