Russell: There is no guarantee we will show good results

George Russell is offended that the race in Austin ended worse for him than he could have done, and in Mexico he hopes for a better result. But at Thursday’s FIA press conference, he acknowledged that it is difficult to guarantee this.

George Russell: “It’s a shame it didn’t go quite well last Sunday, but there were very specific reasons for that. After the incident at the start I had to drive the whole race in a slightly damaged car.

I had problems with the front wing, which of course was a nuisance. It was a little disappointing to watch the events unfold in front of me, but I was unable to participate. But Lewis showed what our car was capable of, which took the team a step in the right direction.

However, it is hardly worth drawing conclusions based on one breed. Now we have to work on a track that is different from the American one, so I hope we will be back in the battle for high results this weekend.

The unique thing about the Mexican circuit is that it is very difficult to warm up tires here, and the high altitude and lower oxygen content in the air mean that cars and motorcycles work with a higher load.

Last year the Mercedes drivers occupied the entire front row of the grid, although they were not competitive at all at the start of the weekend and were only able to turn the tide in qualifying. Let’s see how it ends this time. Although there are of course no guarantees that we can show good results.

In the first practice Nick de Vries will drive my car, and this also complicates my task to find the optimal settings and it will be more difficult to get into the rhythm. However, the first session of free races here is always difficult as the track is not used very often, so the asphalt surface is quite dusty and dirty.

But the second practice will be 90 minutes because of the Pirelli tests, which is a good opportunity to catch up.”

As Lewis Hamilton plans to continue driving for Mercedes after 2023, Russell was asked what he thinks about the prospect of continuing to work with the seven-time world champion.

“If Lewis stays with the team for a few more years, that will be great,” George replied. – In my opinion he has clearly proven that he will not slow down, and the last few races have been better than ever. I really enjoy being his partner, competing with him on an equal footing, improving my own skills with him. We have a great and genuine relationship. If we remain partners in the future, that’s good.”