Russell’s difficulties
Waiting for the return to the track at Zandvoort after the summer break, the first half of the 2026 championship has not been particularly positive for George Russell. Certainly, the English Mercedes driver has achieved two victories (Australia and Austria), but these have taken a back seat compared to the extraordinary moment of teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, world leader with six wins, and the reliability problems of the W17, which forced him to two retirements.
Behind not only Antonelli
Added to all this are the more consistent results of compatriot Lewis Hamilton, currently in second place in the world championship just ahead of Russell, who had started the championship with the mission of aiming for his first world title. The season is therefore not going according to plan for the Briton, to the point that he recently asked for support to improve his performance on track.
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A valuable help
The 28-year-old, interviewed by RacingNews365, admitted that he meets his sports psychologist for this goal, but not only that: “I have publicly stated that I work with a sports psychologist with whom I have collaborated for several years – explained #63 – I have been working with a sports psychologist since 2020. The main goal was to help me give my best, but also to support the people I work with, to better manage the pressure of a race weekend or to channel my energy during the season. It is not support needed only in the most difficult moments. Certainly, it is valuable help, but I am very lucky to have a group of fantastic people by my side. My girlfriend (now fiancée), Gwen Lagrue, Toto Wolff. These people have always supported me. This helps, but also reminds me of what I am capable of. When I think about my career, I think about my successes; I remember what I can do. This gives me confidence and security“.
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