George Russell makes Michael Schumacher comparison in Mercedes F1 title declaration

George Russell admits he “hoped” for more by this stage of his F1 career, but maintains he still has time…

Russell Hungary

George Russell has highlighted how it took Michael Schumacher five seasons to win a championship with Ferrari, whilst assessing his disappointment at having yet to be in a title fight with Mercedes.

The British driver joined the Brackley-based squad from Williams for the 2022 season, which, unfortunately for him and the team, coincided with the start of the contemporary ground effects era in F1.

Mercedes has struggled throughout the current generation, a far cry from the form it displayed during its run of eight-consecutive constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2021 – and far from what Russell expected.

When asked if the considerable wait for machinery capable of sustaining a title charge had further motivated him to succeed, the 27-year-old, who is in the midst of a strong campaign with five podiums and a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, agreed.

“Yeah, for sure,” he told Motorsport.com. “I’m definitely more hungry than ever just to try and perform.

“I would have hoped by now, seven seasons in, I would have at least had a year of fighting for a championship.

“When I joined Mercedes, we thought every year would be a championship fight. Unfortunately, it hasn’t turned out that way.”

Misery loves company, as they say, and Russell is not alone in his current plight. The 2018 F2 champion highlighted how his predecessor, Charles Leclerc, has suffered a similar fate at Ferrari.

“It’s been the same for Charles as well,” the four-time grand prix winner pointed out before highlighting how things have worked out in compatriot Lando Norris’ favour.

“Arguably, nobody would have predicted two years ago McLaren would have made this step. Lando did five years with them and had no fight either.

“So, you’ve just got to accept the fact that that is the nature of F1. That’s always been the case.”

Russell further reflected on his situation with Mercedes, drawing on the time it took Michael Schumacher to clinch his first drivers’ title with Ferrari to illustrate the time he still has, although the German had previously won two crowns with Benetton.

“And you look at Michael Schumacher, he was in his fifth year with Ferrari, in his 30s, before he won a championship with them,” he added. “I’m 27, so I’ve still got a bit of time on my side.”