George Russell has been relying on a sports psychologist since 2020, a collaboration that is not limited to helping him during difficult times.
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George Russell does not hesitate to surround himself to make the most of his potential in Formula 1. The Mercedes driver has revealed working for several years with a sports psychologist to improve different aspects of his performance.
This collaboration takes on particular importance during a 2026 season that is not going as the Brit hoped. After approaching this new regulatory era with the ambition of winning his first world title, Russell has experienced several setbacks.
Reliability issues have notably compromised some of his results, while Kimi Antonelli has regularly taken the advantage within Mercedes. The Italian now has a 59-point lead over his teammate in the championship.
A collaboration dating back to 2020
Russell specifies, however, that his use of a psychologist is not a response to the difficulties encountered this season. This collaboration started long before as it dates back to 2020.
“I have already publicly explained that I have been working with a sports psychologist for several years”, Russell confides to RacingNews365. “I have been working with a sports psychologist since 2020.”
The goal is primarily to find ways to allow the Brit to fully exploit his abilities, both in the car and in his relationships with the people around him.
“It was more about helping me get the best out of myself, but also the people I work with, knowing how to best manage the pressure of a race weekend or my energy during a season.”
A comprehensive approach that therefore goes far beyond simply managing the difficult moments faced by a driver.
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“It’s not necessarily for the very difficult moments”
Sports psychology can obviously help Russell when he goes through a delicate period, but the Brit insists that this is not the main reason for this collaboration.
“It’s not necessarily to help me in the really difficult moments. It is obviously a great help, but I am also very lucky to have an excellent group of people close to me.”
Russell notably cites his now fiancée Carmen Mundt, as well as Toto Wolff and Gwen Lagrue among the people who have supported him throughout his career.
“My fiancée, Gwen, Toto… All these people have supported me.”
Lagrue notably holds an important place in the Brit’s journey. The Frenchman accompanied his rise to Formula 1 within the Mercedes young driver program. However, their professional collaboration will soon end as he will leave the team to join Red Bull in 2027.
Russell draws on his past successes
Sessions with his psychologist also allow Russell to maintain confidence when results do not meet his expectations. The Mercedes driver believes it is essential to remember what he has already been able to accomplish.
“It helps me, but it also allows me to remember what I am capable of. When I think about my career, I think about my successes. I remember what I am capable of doing.”
“It gives me confidence and conviction.”
A method particularly useful in the current context. While Antonelli has established himself as the main title contender and taken a lead within Mercedes, Russell must now try to reverse the trend during the second half of the season.
The Brit therefore intends to rely on his experience and the work undertaken for several years to regain his best level, while his future at Mercedes is also the subject of many questions.
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