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Russell, Williams

Russell explains mental pressures of criticism in F1

Russell, Williams — Photo: © LAT Images

Russell explains mental pressures of criticism in F1

Mental health has become a prominant talking point in sport this year

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

George Russell has conceded it can get "difficult" to perform at his best in F1 when "everybody has an opinion".

The Williams driver finally scored his first points for the team at the Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of the summer break with his future hanging in the balance.

Mercedes is expected to make a decision in the near future as to whether Russell or Valtteri Bottas will partner Lewis Hamilton for next season, with Russell expected to remain with Williams should a promotion fail to materialise.

The British driver spoke at the end of last season about the challenges to mental health in recent times and since then, there have been high profile incidents of athletes making these issues more prominent, with US gymnast Simone Biles and Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka making powerful stands on the topic.

Asked how these challenges are dealt with, Russell told GPFans Global: "In the sense of being prepped well, it's just that I've never been thrown in at the deep end. I've come through stages at a solid rate.

"I do work with a psychologist but that's just for me to try and gain more performance.

"But it is difficult when, these days, everybody has an opinion.

"We're all human at the end of the day, and if you're getting a huge amount of criticism, for whatever reason, or unjustified criticism, that is going to affect your sole focus to perform at the best of your ability in your dedicated industry."

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