I feel this has been my best season ever – Mercedes’ George Russell

George Russell believes this season has been his best ever in terms of performance as he refused to dwell on his last-lap crash in Singapore.

Russell put his Mercedes into the barriers as he chased down Lando Norris and race winner Carlos Sainz on the draining street circuit.

The 25-year-old was visibly emotional afterwards following a strong weekend where he qualified second and held the edge over his team-mate Lewis Hamilton but is keen to move on quickly.

“In terms of pure performance I feel that this has been my best season ever,” Russell said ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Heartbreaking end to the race. We went bold and it so nearly paid off, but it’s these tiny margins that make the difference between victory and defeat. Proud of the team tonight and gutted I didn’t deliver the result they deserved. I’ll be back stronger. pic.twitter.com/hwTmqvETYk

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) September 17, 2023

“But I reckon there is over 60 points that we have lost this season for a number of different reasons.

“I have got an objective this year to secure P2 in the constructors’ championship for the team. It was quite clear this year from the beginning that we were not going to be fighting for a championship and I don’t know if that’s had an impact on my mentality or not.

“There is a reason for all mistakes and that is just pushing to the limit and in some instances pushing over the limit to try and achieve what is possible. I think when I look at my championship-winning years in junior formulas I was the driver who kept on getting results, it’s the long game.

“I can assure you once we are in a position again to win a championship I will be back to the ways that I know how to win a championship.”

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