Russell reveals Alonso-inspired ‘small mentality change’

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George Russell has revealed that a “small mentality change” after F1’s summer break - inspired by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso - has tweaked his mindset and helped him improve his performance.

After a challenging start to its 2023 campaign, Mercedes has steadily progressed throughout the season in the wake of its car’s productive development programme.

However, Russell admittedly suffered from a lack of consistency during the first part of the year, notably in qualifying in which the 25-year-old regularly trailed teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Russell’s rough patch instilled a dose of self-doubt which prompted team boss Toto Wolff to intervene to help alleviate his driver’s quandaries.

And after F1’s summer break, parallel to Mercedes’ own improvements, Russell regained his footing. While Hamilton still has the upper hand over his teammate in the championship, the latter’s absolute performance has caught up with the former.

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But Russell’s return to form has been accompanied by a slight change in his psyche, one that has led him to better “enjoy the moment”, as he explained to F1’s Tom Clarkson on the latter’s Beyond the Grid podcast.

“I think a small mentality change from my side, how I work with my engineers, the things I'm focusing on with the set-up of the car, the things I'm not focusing on with the set-up of the car, and just probably enjoying life a bit more,” Russell replied when asked what had changed for him since F1’s reprise at the end of August.

"I listened to a podcast from Fernando, where he said that if he could change one thing in his career, he wishes he enjoyed the moment more often when he was younger.

"I think that resonated with me because I'm living my dream here, but I'm so dedicated. I feel like I'm a true professional. I look at every single detail.

"I give it my everything, and sometimes you forget to enjoy it and to enjoy the moment with the people around you, enjoy the places you're going to, smile, not just constantly be this 120% serious guy focusing on every single detail."

Russell emphasized that his new-found mental approach to his job has taken nothing away from his unwavering dedication or sense of commitment to F1.

“It doesn't mean that I'm any less professional now, but it's just that I'm probably enjoying my life more, my surroundings, the people who I have at home, my living situation,” he added.

“I'm just in a much happier place. I'm learning new things that I never would have dreamt of doing before, so all in all I’m just in a good place.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.