George Russell says a bruising year alongside Kimi Antonelli won't break him, and he still believes a world title is in his future.
George Russell is refusing to let a tough Formula One campaign write the story of his career. The Mercedes driver says the setbacks will toughen him rather than break him, and he is adamant the world championship is still within reach.
The 28-year-old has been out-performed this season by his 20-year-old teammate Kimi Antonelli, a painful reality for a driver who came into the year with big expectations. Having a young rival in the other side of the garage lay down the pace has made for an uncomfortable stretch.
The timing makes it sting more. Antonelli can seal the championship at this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix by finishing ninth or better, which would make him the youngest world champion in the sport's history.
Russell, though, is looking at the long game. At 28 he has plenty of racing years ahead, and he is backing himself to bounce back and fight for the crown before his career is done. For now, the focus is on absorbing the lessons of a hard season and coming back sharper.
