George Russell banished his lasting demons at the Singapore Grand Prix with a dominant win, one that validated that he’s now a “more complete” driver in Formula 1.
Russell proved to be untouchable around the Marina Bay Street Circuit as he charged to pole position with a new lap record and commanded proceedings in the race.
The Briton’s supreme showing came at a track where he had possessed a dismal track record until this season, with a single top-10 finish in his previous four outings.
Russell ought to have stood on the podium back in 2023 as he was running in third place on the last lap when he clipped the wall and went straight on into the barrier.
Alongside that moment, Russell had retired on his debut race in Singapore in 2019, clashed with a rival in 2022, then he also had practice incidents in 2024 and 2025.
However, Russell, who is still waiting to put pen to paper on a new deal with Mercedes, reckons he now has the essential qualities to win a title with the right package.
Asked whether his past tribulations at the circuit made the win even sweeter, Russell told media including Motorsport Week: “Yeah, absolutely.
“I mean, this track has not been my best friend over the years, and that’s often been through my own doing.
“But as I said, yes, I’m a very different driver today to the one I was a couple of years ago, and I feel more complete, more confident.
“I know exactly what I need to do in given circumstances.
“Of course, I was nervous before the race as you’d expect, but I didn’t feel any additional nerves or any additional pressure.
“It just felt like another race, and I knew I had a chance to win, and I felt comfortable with that.
“So, you know, I’ve said it for a while – I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to take it to my next step.”
What is driving Russell’s strongest F1 season to date?
Russell believes that his added experience, combined with becoming the recognised team leader at Mercedes in 2025, has inspired his greatest F1 campaign to date.
“I think it comes with experience, just knowing how to maximise every situation,” he explained.
“Probably a couple of years ago I was driving a bit more tense and probably over-pushing in circumstances when I shouldn’t have been. Now I just feel much more relaxed.
“Going into today, I was relaxed. When it was raining an hour before the race, I just said, you know, it is what it is.
“It’s the same for everybody. There’s nothing I can do, so there’s no point stressing about it. I think myself a few years ago would have been slightly different.”
READ MORE – Why Mercedes remains baffled by F1 Singapore GP dominance
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