Russell turned to psychologist to tackle Hamilton at Mercedes

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George Russell has admitted he turned to a psychologist for guidance before making the biggest leap of his Formula 1 career: joining Mercedes and becoming team-mates with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2022.

Russell’s transition from Williams, where he had served his apprenticeship, to Mercedes was a defining moment for the young driver. However, stepping into the Brackley-based team meant facing the formidable challenge of racing alongside a driver with an unmatched legacy.

Now established as a Grand Prix winner and Mercedes’ clear team leader following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Russell has reflected on how he prepared mentally for the daunting prospect of measuring himself against one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Speaking on the Untapped podcast, the 27-year-old explained how stepping up to a top team such as Mercedes required not only technical and physical preparation, but also mental resilience.

“So I was thinking about how I’m going to deal with this psychologically,” Russell said.

“Until one day, I had a really good conversation with my psychologist about it, about how I should deal with the pressure of being his team-mate.

Psychological Support and a Breakthrough Mindset

The consultation led to a powerful realization that reshaped Russell’s mindset.

“I concluded that when I walk into the garage, I’m jumping into my race car, I’m putting my helmet on, I’ve put my visor down, it should not matter if my teammate in the garage next door is a seven-time World Champion, a rookie, or if there’s nobody there, because I’m in control of my own destiny.

“That’s the approach I have – it’s on me to perform.”

Read also:

Russell: 'Fresh start' after Hamilton exit ‘really good’ for Mercedes

That mindset has helped Russell carve out his own identity at Mercedes. Since joining, he has taken race wins, consistently outperformed expectations, and this year added a statement victory at the Canadian Grand Prix.

With Hamilton gone and teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli now by his side, Russell finds himself carrying the mantle of leadership at Brackley.

In a sport where margins are measured in thousandths of a second, Russell’s words underline how the battle is not only fought on track, but also in the mind.

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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.