George Russell Reveals Sports Psychologist Role in F1 Performance Boost

George Russell has opened up about working with a sports psychologist to enhance his Formula 1 performance. The Mercedes driver admitted he has been having regular sessions since 2020, well before the pressures of this season arrived.

The 2026 campaign has been a tough test for Russell. He started the year with hopes of fighting for his first world title, but reality on track has been different. Reliability issues have hampered him, and more painfully, he has been out-paced by teammate Kimi Antonelli, who now leads him by 59 points in the drivers' standings.

Amid the less-than-ideal situation, Russell has found strength in his psychology sessions. However, he stressed that these sessions are not solely for coping with adversity but for unlocking his full potential and that of those around him.

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"I've publicly spoken that I work with a sports psychologist since 2020. It's more about how I can get the most out of myself, how to handle the pressures of a race weekend, or how to manage my energy over a season," Russell told RacingNews365 in an exclusive interview.

Interestingly, Russell mentioned that his psychologist is not always needed in tough times. "That's a great help, but I'm fortunate to have a great group of people supporting me: my fiancee, Gwen, and Toto Wolff," he said.

Recent news revealed that Gwen Lagrue, a key figure in Russell's rise to F1 with Mercedes, will leave the team to join Red Bull in 2027. Speculation about Russell's future has grown, especially with Antonelli's strong form. However, Russell insists his sessions help him focus on his core strengths.

"It also helps me remember what I'm capable of. When I think of my career, I think of my successes; I remember what I can do. That gives me the belief and faith," he concluded.