George Russell has cited Michael Schumacher as inspiration. (Image: Getty)

George Russell is taking inspiration from Michael Schumacher as he continues to strive for a world title. The 27-year-old moved to Mercedes from Williams in 2022, since winning four Grand Prix races and is currently in contention for a top-three finish in the standings.

However, a serious title challenge hasn’t materialised. The Silver Arrows have struggled to keep pace with Red Bull in the previous three seasons, and in 2025 have been way down on pace with frontrunners McLaren. Russell has now admitted he envisioned being more competitive at the top end when he started out his F1 career.

“I would have hoped by now, seven seasons in, I would have at least had a year of fighting for a championship,” he said. “When I joined Mercedes, we thought every year would be a championship fight. Unfortunately, it hasn’t turned out that way.”

However, he remains confident that his team can still manufacture a car that will allow him to realise his dream. He cited Schumacher and the unpredictable nature of the sport as reasons for optimism.

Russell currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings. (Image: Getty)

“Arguably, nobody would have predicted two years ago that McLaren would have made this step,” he continued. “Lando did five years with them and had no fight either. So, you’ve just got to accept the fact that that is the nature of F1.

“And you look at Michael Schumacher, he was in his fifth year with Ferrari, in his 30s, before he won a championship with them. I’m 27, so I’ve still got a bit of time on my side.”

Schumacher famously won seven world titles in his illustrious career, and had won two with Benetton by the time he drove for the Scuderia. However, whether Russell will be able to realise his own F1 ambitions at Mercedes remains to be seen.

The English driver is out of contract at the end of the year. Negotiations remain ongoing over a new deal, and Russell insists he has not been pursuing options elsewhere.