‘Bring it on’ – Russell predicts Mercedes’ Bahrain upgrades could ‘play in my favour’

Mercedes are set to introduce a long-awaited upgrade package at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, leaving George Russell optimistic that he can build on the momentum from his recent win in Baku and get “back on top”.

Just as Kimi Antonelli’s lead in the drivers’ standings had crept up to 81 points, Russell converted his superb pole position lap into victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, beating Max Verstappen by less than two tenths over the line.

The triumph brought his deficit down to 66 points, and with eight rounds still to go, he’s confident that he can continue to challenge for his maiden championship – especially if the team’s upgrades deliver the desired performance upon F1’s return to Sepang.

Reflecting on his recent upturn in form, Russell said: “Baku was an excellent weekend. I really felt in the groove and since the summer break I've felt more on top of things.

“As a team we've been very competitive this season on those circuits that require high efficiency from the car's downforce – Baku and Monza we were fast, Red Bull were fast – but we're back to a more traditional circuit where McLaren have been very strong recently.

“When you look at Budapest, Zandvoort, Madrid, even though that is a street track, it's still more normal in terms of the amount of straights compared to the corners. I'm hoping this upgrade package brings us back on top on the circuits where we've missed out recently.”

Russell previously ruled himself out of the title fight after Antonelli won his eighth Grand Prix of the season in Madrid, but his mindset has improved thanks to his increased comfort in the car and realisation that most of the pressure is on his team mate to defend his current lead.

“I think the only thing that has changed is I now feel in a position that my performances are strong enough to fight for victory week in and week out,” Russell explained.

“Pre-summer break, I was missing out on the championship but also I was missing out on the performance every weekend, whereas now I feel I know what I need from the car, I know what I need from myself and I don't really feel lost anymore.

“Confidence is back, it's grown again and it's all coming a bit more naturally, which is how it's been for me in most of my career and not how it was earlier this season.

“I'm just going to go race-by-race. I'm enjoying it more than I have done recently because I just feel more at one with the car and hopefully this new upgrade with a few characteristic changes will also play in my favour a bit more. Bring it on.”