The George Interview:

Part One - New Year, Same Goals

Back in Brackley

“The break is needed for everyone in Formula One, but in all honesty, I was eager to get back to it,” says George, as he walks into our Brackley factory for the first time this year.

“There is a bit of time until the first race, but the first day here is a step towards that.

“What’s so great being back is that you see how motivated everybody is to go racing and see how the car is.”

Of course, George has not just been sat on the sofa since Abu Dhabi in December, wasting little time after the turn of the year to get back into athlete mode.

“I started my physical preparation with Aleix [trainer] on 2 January,” he adds.

“We have done a few weeks now, the second week was absolutely brutal.

“We build into it, the last thing you want to do is go out too hard and injure yourself. I kept moving over the break anyway, keeping mobile to avoid sitting around all day doing nothing.

“Exercise for me is more than just a physique, it’s a great way of making me feel good and helps my mental health – that’s why I don’t want to stop.”

New Year, Same Goals

New Year’s resolutions and F1 do not always mix. Going too big, too early, could make it hard to stay on track as the season unfolds.

“My goals are very much the same and the approach has not changed,” says George.

“Formula One is so unique, so you cannot really set goals like that. If I say that I want to win four races this year because last year I won three, I am not going to be satisfied if I win five but the car is capable of 10.

“I tend to keep my goals on more details targets. Last year Qualifying was my strength, but my race pace was not always the best. I know I have the speed over one lap but there is no reason why I should not be able to convert that over the course of a race.

“I need to work on some elements to achieve that, and there will be some other goals – that perhaps are not clear to the fans at home but are at the forefront of my mind.

“The great thing about F1 is you enter a new year, with a new car and new limitations – something that may have been a strength last year may not be this year. You always have to adapt.”

Three-Pointed Star Meets Three Famous Stripes

There will more than just a new livery and car for fans to get excited about in 2025, as the team embarks on a fresh clothing style with new team partner adidas.

The new threads (and equipment!) have already got the George Russell seal of approval.

“It’s incredible to have such a brand on board with the team and it has been so cool to train and try out all of the new items,” he says.

“The gym shoes, the running shoes – as well as the padel shoes and rackets are so nice. You won’t be surprised to know I have been on the padel court a lot in the off season!”

Stay tuned for part two of our chat with George where he talks teaming with Kimi, the return of Valtteri and supporting F1 Academy.