Why Russell thinks his natural driving style suits the current F1 cars well

George Russell believes his “pure driving model has labored effectively” with the present technology of Components 1 vehicles and is one more reason behind his glorious qualifying report in 2024.

Russell ended the earlier marketing campaign with a 24-6 qualifying cut up in opposition to his now former Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton and in addition completed one place above the seven-time world champion within the drivers’ standings.

When requested if he felt his driving model complimented the wants of the present ground-effect-cars/18-inch Pirelli tyres for getting the very best ends in qualifying throughout an interview with choose media together with Autosport, Russell replied: “I believe in all probability my pure driving model has labored effectively in these vehicles.

“However, equally, my qualifying report in opposition to my team-mates within the earlier technology was good and in each class my qualifying information have been sturdy.”

On the similar time, Russell sought to minimize a potential hyperlink, saying “I do not suppose there’s something explicit with this technology” earlier than including “however, clearly, Lewis has been my hardest team-mate, so I believe that is why it has been highlighted a bit extra”.

But Russell’s minimalist style means he can work the Pirelli rubber significantly effectively for qualifying.

This doesn’t reply effectively to being overstressed, as Hamilton has discovered very difficult on this period together with his extra edgy steering inputs and choice for late-braking whereas retaining excessive entry velocity and a energetic rear finish.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG F1 Staff and George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 Staff

Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photos

Russell, in the meantime, takes straighter line trajectories by way of corners, which entails braking barely later however more durable, then holding a single decisive steering enter that general reduces power spikes and extra temperature going into the tyres.

On his method, Russell additionally stated “expertise is a big a part of it” now he’s six seasons into his F1 profession.

“You study because the season goes on what you want to do to get essentially the most out of the tyres, what’s the place you possibly can exploit the automotive’s strengths, the place you want to watch out of the automotive’s weaknesses,” he added.

“[Late in 2024], I do know precisely the place the strengths and the weaknesses are and the issues I have to look out for.

“However, however, I believe all people positive factors that have because the season goes on.

“But additionally coping with adverse outcomes – I believe I have been fairly good at simply closing that chapter and transferring on and studying from it, whereas I believe my youthful self would in all probability dwell on one thing a bit longer.

“I keep in mind in 2022 I had a run of actually unhealthy races. It was the primary time that season I used to be off the tempo in comparison with Lewis.

“It was sort of the primary time in my profession I have been off the tempo and that in all probability hindered me for one or two extra races [than it should have].

“Whereas, now, even in an FP3 session, if I am behind him, and even within the Q2 session, if I am behind him, I do not stress. I do know it would not matter what’s occurred earlier than.

“It’s that one lap in Q3 that may make a distinction.”