George Russell’s under-radar features are credited after a bright start to the 2025 F1 season.
The Mercedes driver achieved podium finishes on each of the first two Grand Prixes in Australia and China.
After Lewis Hamilton set out for Ferrari and replaced by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell was firmly established as a senior Mercedes driver.
Russell discontinued his teammate Hamilton last year, but continues to grow in the 2025 opening race. Only McLarens and Max Verstappen finished before him.
It is noteworthy that what is important to Russell’s skill set is his ability to communicate efficiently via team radio.
Ferrari’s Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have already been scrutinized in radio communications methods this season, but there is no such problem for Russell and his Mercedes race engineers.
“He enjoys being a team leader,” Alex Jack told the F1 Nation Podcast.
“His shoulder is back. He’s bombing the award winner’s photos. He’s chirping on the radio. A great performance that puts it in the front row.
“McLaren should not have been beaten in the front row in that scenario.
“It’s not a free hit, but he knows (McLaren) is just up the road at this point. He’s trying to improve and enjoying chipping.
“He’s very accurate on the radio. Everyone else says, ‘Plan A, Plan B…’
“He says: “It’s turning into a one-stop.” Bang! There’s your communication!
“In the qualifying round: “Relax, I’m your team leader, I’ll deliver the pace.”
“He’s running with confidence right now. Who can blame him?
“He grew into that role, he moved the best he ever had.
“Difference – and that’s an important difference – is to convert a third and steal a second when you need to be third.
“If we can maintain the mix with consistent results, Rand and Oscar continue to give each other bloody noses. There’s an opportunity for someone to pick up the pieces.
“George knows that, Max Verstappen knows that.
“The 9th Race – Regs Changes on the Front Wing – is important. George and Max are picking up the pieces and doing their best with the car they have.”
Is George Russell better than ever?
Russell has three F1 Grand Prix victories under his belt. Last year he won in Austria and Las Vegas.
Laura Winter said:
“Look back to Vegas last year. He was very dominant there, but he was dominated by a car that could only operate with windows featured in Vegas in cold conditions. That car has limited operating windows.
“Mercedes seems to be all-out good now — in Bahrain, a round of cool, in cool conditions. Mercedes was in the heat and wet in Australia.
“Zac Brown said Max will be at Mercedes next year. For whom? Do you want George and Max as the two No. 1s? That’s a pretty amazing lineup.
“George had to absorb this pressure and get out with his head high. He’s doing it. He had two podiums.
“The car is in good windows and the team is responding well to his instructions. He works well with you. There’s clearly a respectful relationship.”
Tom Clarkson added:
“We saw a significant change in his outlook, which is now on to another level.
“He’s on-racking that team and leading off-track. It’s impressive to see.”
The F1 Japan Grand Prix will be the third round of 2025 next weekend.