George Russell believes his “natural driving style has worked well” with the current generation of Formula 1 cars and is another reason behind his excellent qualifying record in 2024.
Russell ended the previous campaign with a 24-6 qualifying split against his now former Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton and also finished one place above the seven-time world champion in the drivers’ standings.
When asked if he felt his driving style complimented the needs of the current ground-effect-cars/18-inch Pirelli tyres for getting the best results in qualifying during an interview with select media including Autosport, Russell replied: “I think probably my natural driving style has worked well in these cars.
“But, equally, my qualifying record against my team-mates in the previous generation was good and in every category my qualifying records have been strong.”
At the same time, Russell sought to play down a possible link, saying “I don't think there's anything particular with this generation” before adding “but, obviously, Lewis has been my toughest team-mate, so I think that's why it's been highlighted a bit more”.
But Russell’s minimalist style means he can work the Pirelli rubber particularly well for qualifying.
This does not respond well to being overstressed, as Hamilton has found very challenging in this era with his more edgy steering inputs and preference for late-braking while retaining high entry speed and a lively rear end.
Russell, meanwhile, takes straighter line trajectories through corners, which involves braking slightly later but harder, then holding a single decisive steering input that overall reduces energy spikes and additional temperature going into the tyres.
On his approach, Russell also said “experience is a huge part of it” now he is six seasons into his F1 career.
“You learn as the season goes on what you need to do to get the most out of the tyres, what's where you can exploit the car's strengths, where you need to be careful of the car's weaknesses,” he added.
“[Late in 2024], I know exactly where the strengths and the weaknesses are and the things I need to look out for.
“But, nevertheless, I think everybody gains that experience as the season goes on.
“But also dealing with negative results – I think I've been pretty good at just closing that chapter and moving on and learning from it, whereas I think my younger self would probably dwell on something a bit longer.
“I remember in 2022 I had a run of really bad races. It was the first time that season I was off the pace compared to Lewis.
“It was kind of the first time in my career I've been off the pace and that probably hindered me for one or two more races [than it should have].
“Whereas, now, even in an FP3 session, if I'm behind him, or even in the Q2 session, if I'm behind him, I don't stress. I know it doesn't matter what's happened before.
“It’s that one lap in Q3 that will make a difference.”
