Russell clings to F1 title hopes in optimistic Michael Schumacher scenario

16:41, 17 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

George Russell says he remains convinced his Formula 1 World Championship chance will come, despite joining Mercedes at a time when the team slipped away from title contention.

The Briton pointed to Michael Schumacher’s famous Ferrari project as proof that success can take years to build, reminding that it wasn’t until 2000 - Schumacher’s fifth year in red – that the partnership delivered its first championship.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Russell admitted he had hoped to be fighting for a title by now.

“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.

He added that when he joined Mercedes he thought every year would potentially be a championship fighting year, which alas, it's not turned out to be that way.

Russell looks to Schumacher for inspiration to continue to believe in F1 dream

Since stepping up to Mercedes in 2022, Russell has got four grand prix wins to his name, with the latest at the 2025 Canadian GP.

The Brackley outfit has struggled to adapt in the ground-effect era, pursuing a failed “zero-sidepod” concept and falling behind Red Bull and McLaren.

Russell is currently fighting for third in the standings, but a title challenge remains out of reach.

Even so, the 27-year old sees reasons to stay patient.

“It’s been the same for Charles [Leclerc] as well. And arguably, nobody would have predicted two years ago McLaren would have made this step,” he noted.

It was then he compared Schumacher's age when he won his first title with Ferrari, to his, judging ultimately that time was on his side.

“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 stated.

“I’m 27, so I’ve still got a bit of time on my side.”