Mercedes driver George Russell has dismissed pressure regarding the Formula One championship battle, asserting that the title momentum remains with his teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The Mercedes team currently leads the constructors' championship, setting up a potential title fight between its own drivers despite Russell enduring a recent qualifying setback.
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The British driver maintained that he recovered from the uncontrollable issues experienced during the previous race weekend in Canada after taking time to reset.
“In the past I’ve never really sort of believed in: ‘This is going to determine my destiny.’
I’m pleased that I did the job that I knew I was capable of and delivered in every moment when it was required,” Russell said.
Russell explained that while the setback brought frustration, it did not disrupt his focus ahead of the remaining 17 races of the season.
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“Of course it was annoying, but I didn’t lose much sleep over it and I think I can continue doing that job for the 17 races to go,” he said.
He further pointed out that the current points cushion shifts the burden of performance entirely onto Antonelli.
“I don’t think I’ve got anything to lose, really.
I feel I’m still going with that same mindset, that if I look at it from my competitor’s [Antonelli’s] position, you’re kind of in a position now that you’ve got such a buffer, it feels like you can only keep it or you can only lose it.
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I think it’s his to lose,” Russell added.
