Russell draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic on longevity in sport

In a sport where split-second decisions and peak physical condition also define success, George Russell is already planning for a career that could span decades.

The Mercedes charger revealed how a candid conversation with tennis legend Novak Djokovic has shaped his approach to physical preparation, fueling his ambition to race competitively into his 40s and chase a Formula 1 World Championship along the way.

Djokovic, 38, is one of tennis’ most decorated players, having won 100 singles titles and spent a record 428 weeks as world No. 1 in the ATP rankings.

Russell, at 27, is still relatively early in his F1 career, but he emphasized during a recent UNTAPPED podcast the value of taking care of his body now to ensure longevity at the highest level in the future.

“I had a really good conversation with Novak Djokovic about human performance and what he’s doing currently, but [also] what he was doing in his 20s,” Russell explained.

“He said to me, when he was in his 20s, he felt that he could comfortably miss a day in the gym or a day here or a day there, and it wouldn’t affect him.

“But he didn’t, and he’s so grateful for that now because he thinks the work he put in during those years is allowing him to continue to play at such a high level into his late 30s.”

Planning for the Long Game

While Russell acknowledges that Formula 1 does not exert the same constant physical toll on the body as tennis, he wants to follow a similar approach to longevity.

“Formula 1 isn’t as brutal on the body as let’s say tennis – it’s different, because you don’t have that constant impact on your legs – but I want to be here well into my 40s and when I see what [Fernando] Alonso’s doing, that gives me inspiration that I can do that,” Russell said.

The Mercedes driver also drew motivation from Michael Schumacher’s career, noting that the seven-time World Champion was 31 when he won his first championship with Ferrari in 2000, which kicked off a string of consecutive titles.

“You think of Schumacher and Ferrari as just domination, but his first championship with Ferrari was in his 30s, so it’s quite interesting,” Russell said. “That’s what I’ve got to tell myself to stay motivated! And telling myself it will come at some point.

• Read also: Russell turned to psychologist to tackle Hamilton at Mercedes

“We don’t have the fastest car today, but it might be next year, it might be in five years’ time, it might be in four years’ time, it might be in 10 years’ time.

“But my dream is to be a World Champion, and I’m working every day to make sure I’m ready, because I just don’t know when that time will come.”

Russell currently sits fourth in the Drivers’ Standings, with Mercedes holding third place in the Teams’ Championship, as the second half of the F1 season gets underway.

His focus on longevity and preparation suggests that he is not just racing for the present but is laying the groundwork for a championship-contending future.

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