Lewis Hamilton and George Russell handed Japanese GP 'boost' as Mercedes plan revealed

Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell — Photo: © LAT Images

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Hamilton and Russell handed Japanese GP 'boost' as Mercedes plan revealed

George Russell believes some valuable lessons have been learned at Mercedes...

Cal Gaunt

Friday 22 September 2023 09:57

As the Formula 1 season approaches its final stretch, Mercedes' George Russell has claimed that there are more developments in store as the Silver Arrows gear up for the remaining races.

Mercedes added another podium finish to their collection in Singapore, with Lewis Hamilton securing P3 despite – and indeed due to – his team-mate's unfortunate crash on the final lap. Mercedes displayed competitiveness at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and feel they could, and should, have amassed more points.

Under the leadership of team principal Toto Wolff, Mercedes have their sights set firmly on securing second place in the constructors' championship. With seven races remaining, they are determined to enhance the Mercedes package in preparation for Suzuka.

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Russell had a night to forget in Singapore

Russell: Upgrades are coming

Russell hinted at the prospect of upcoming upgrades, revealing: "In all honesty, there'll be a few more little things to come towards the end of the season, which will aid our learning into next season."

While Mercedes have yet to clinch a race victory this season, they maintain a slender advantage over Ferrari. They are optimistic about maintaining their lead, despite Ferrari securing their first win of the season in Singapore, ending Red Bull's dominance as Carlos Sainz claimed victory.

'Lesson learned' for Mercedes

Russell, who has secured only one podium finish this year, finds himself 71 points behind his team-mate, Hamilton. Nevertheless, he stands out as the sole Mercedes driver to have won a race since he joined the team.

Although Mercedes have faced challenges in replicating their past decade of success and can no longer compete with Red Bull on a consistent basis, Russell claimed that the difficulties and trials of the past two years will serve as valuable lessons for the future.

Reflecting on the season's progress, Russell noted: "Yeah, I think we've made some good gains this season. I think it's clear that we made some mistakes ahead of the 2022 season, and again over this winter, but I'm definitely confident that these mistakes are going to aid us and help us a lot for the future."