George Russell admits he gets a ‘little slower’ by constantly doing one thing with Mercedes in 2025

George Russell has been one of the strongest drivers in 2025 thus far. Alongside Max Verstappen, he has been the closest rival to McLaren.

The Brit took responsibility for being Mercedes’ lead driver in his stride over the winter and has seen him produce some strong performances. With four podiums so far, Russell sits fourth in the standings.

But the 27-year-old is some distance from the McLarens and is 26 points behind Verstappen in third. Mercedes currently do not have a car capable of winning races, but the W16 is a step forward from its predecessor, with Kimi Antonelli claiming his first pole position for the Miami Sprint.

The European triple header was damaging for the Silver Arrows, however, as they walked away with just 18 points. Even Racing Bulls outscored Mercedes as Antonelli suffered two mechanical retirements, while Russell generally lacked pace compared to the frontrunners.

Mercedes have struggled with tyres overheating, which was particularly damaging in Monaco as the team went pointless for the first time since Australia last season. The Brackley outfit have work to do on track, but Russell is getting a ‘little slower’ from something off of it.

George Russell admits media interviews and sponsor events make him a ‘little slower’

Nowadays, in F1, drivers have several commitments in the paddock outside of racing. From media interviews to sponsor events with the teams, a lot of time is taken away for the cockpit and preparing for future races.

That is how Russell sees it, who would be ‘happy’ to have 30 races on the calendar if it meant commitments outside of the car were limited. Speaking with Mundo Deportivo, the Brit admits he gets a ‘little slower’ by constantly doing interviews and meetings with sponsors.

“If I could choose, I would like to have 30 races on the calendar. If my job consisted only of competing, of driving, I would be happy to compete in 30 races a year. The problem is that they are not just races,” he said.

“I flew out on Thursday morning and had a sponsor event. Another sponsor event on Friday night. I have a sponsor event on Saturday night. You have interviews all weekend. On Sunday, there are team partner activities. That’s the most mentally exhausting part.

“Driving is honestly the easiest part of our weekend. Because it’s what we do. I’ve been racing a kart since I was 7. I was born to race. I wasn’t born to talk in front of a camera or be an actor when I do a commercial. Or they think you’re like a model. But it’s not like that.

“When we get in the car, that’s when we’re free. That’s when I’m myself. I’m free from the noise of everything around me. That’s my space. No one distracts me. I’m here to do what I love most.

“I’m pretty rational. I understand that talking to you today is what people want to hear from us. That’s what makes F1 so special. Without the fans, F1 is nothing. But if I’m honest, my conversation with you doesn’t make me faster. At best, I’m the same. Or maybe it takes energy and makes me a little slower.”

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

Should George Russell be worried about his future with Mercedes?

As Mercedes look to turn their form around heading into the Canadian Grand Prix, the situation surrounding their drivers for 2026 remains unknown.

Russell and Antonelli are out of contract at the end of the season as the sport gears up for the 2026 F1 regulations. Optimism is high about the Silver Arrows’ power unit, but Russell has rubbished claims that Mercedes have the quickest engine next year.

‘No one’ at Mercedes has spoken about a date for Russell’s contract extension. The team may be assessing their options for 2026, with Verstappen being linked with a move away from Red Bull.

But Valtteri Bottas may have let slip Mercedes’ plans as Russell and Antonelli may be set to stay for 2026. Toto Wolff is happy with the two drivers, with contract renewals usually taking place over the summer.