Russell hails 2024 season as ‘one of the best I’ve ever had’ as he assesses prospect of Sainz as Mercedes team mate

George Russell believes that the 2024 F1 season has been “one of the best” of his career so far, with the Briton – who claimed victory in the Austrian Grand Prix – stating that he has “grabbed the results” that have been available to him.

The campaign did not get off to the smoothest of starts for Mercedes, having arrived into the year seemingly still struggling with their car concept following two challenging years for the squad. However, during recent race weekends the team look to have made steps forward.

READ MORE: ‘The single dumbest thing I’ve done’ – Wolff reflects on ‘embarrassing’ radio message that ‘could have taken’ Russell out of Austrian GP

Russell scored the Silver Arrows’ first pole position of the season in Canada, before following this up with their debut podium of 2024 come race day, while Lewis Hamilton then stood on the rostrum at the next event in Spain.

Things then progressed even further in Austria when Russell – who had been running in third place – swept through to snatch the win in the aftermath of a dramatic collision between leaders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Asked for his assessment of his season so far – and whether he feels that his performances had been underappreciated – Russell responded: “No, not at all, to be honest. I think the results speak for themselves, and I don’t need to talk about it.

“As many drivers say, you do the talking on the track. I think this season’s probably one of the best I’ve ever had in terms of my own performance and grabbing the results when they’re coming.”

Russell also reflected on the ongoing speculation over the vacant seat at Mercedes for 2025, with the candidate for Ferrari-bound Hamilton’s position yet to be confirmed.

READ MORE: Russell ecstatic after ‘picking up the pieces’ from Verstappen/Norris collision to claim second Grand Prix win

“Of course there’s a lot of talk about the second seat, but that’s normal, it’s exciting,” the 26-year-old commented. “Mercedes [are] one of the most successful teams in the sport, and it’s a seat that many drivers want.

“It’s like the race last week, when there’s been a drama or a bit of action that’s where the talking should be, and that’s how it always will be.”

The name most frequently mentioned in talk over the driver market is that of Carlos Sainz, with the current Ferrari driver still undecided on where his future lies.

While the Spaniard has not been as closely linked with Mercedes as with other teams on the grid, it appears that the possibility of a move to the Silver Arrows has not been completely ruled out.

THE STRATEGIST: How Sainz could have beaten Piastri to P2 in Austria

Quizzed on whether he would welcome Sainz as his team mate next year, Russell answered: “Yeah, I’d welcome anybody, to be honest. I’ve been lucky having Lewis [as my team mate] for the last three years and we’ve had some great battles in the last couple of years.

“As a driver, I think it’s important you have a good relationship between the two of you, just to help that team momentum and pushing in the same direction.

“But, ultimately, when you walk into your garage and put your helmet on, you jump in your car and it doesn’t really matter who’s sat in the seat alongside you.”

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