F1 News: George Russell Sets Sights On Pushing Ahead Of Lewis Hamilton In 2024

George Russell might be found pushing harder next season.

After going through the "toughest" season of his F1 career, "psychologically," Mercedes driver George Russell is all for pushing harder next year, not to be at par with seven-time-world champion teammate Lewis Hamilton, but to be much "ahead."

The British driver's first year with Mercedes in 2022 was nothing short of fantastic, despite facing several challenges with the W13 F1 car under the new ground effect era. While 2022 was Hamilton's first winless season, Russell managed to claim the only win of the season for the Brackley outfit.

Fast forward to the end of 2023, and you'll notice Hamilton having a much better season than Russell, who managed to score just two podiums in the entire season. The year also proved to be Mercedes' first winless season since 2011, and Hamilton's second in his career.

Speaking about the most challenging F1 season of his career, Russell emphasized that he does not want to be at par with his teammate, and so, he's pushing himself on purpose to get way ahead next season. He told Motor Sport Magazine:

“No doubt, it’s been probably the toughest season I’ve ever had psychologically. Bouncing back from missed opportunities, missed results, mistakes. I think this is when you push yourself.

"I could comfortably lift my foot off the gas pedal and drive a per cent below the limit and I could sit here right now and tell you that I wouldn’t make a single mistake.

“And probably when I sit through my Championship years, I probably wasn’t being pushed as much as I’m pushing myself now.

“I’m purposely trying to push myself further and beyond, and I’m not satisfied with just being on par with my team-mate in qualifying or whatever it may be.

“Or [2022 when] we were very even across the whole season. I want to be ahead. And that’s what I’m pushing myself for.”