Russell 'driving better than ever' as he enters final six months of Mercedes contract

Canadian Grand Prix winner George Russell feels he is driving better than he ever has as he approaches the final six months of his Mercedes contract.

Sunday’s win in Montreal was set up by Russell’s pole lap on Saturday, where he beat Max Verstappen by 0.160s, and he duly held the lead off the line before keeping the Dutchman at bay throughout the race. Securing the fourth win of his career, Russell – who is out of contract at the end of the season – says his performances help his negotiating position.

“It doesn't hurt!” Russell said. “It doesn't hurt at all. But as I've said many times, I'm not concerned at all about next year. I know I'm going to be on the grid next year. I feel that I'm driving better than ever. I still feel I've got more in the tank.

“I feel ready to fight for a world championship, and I think results like today, results like Bahrain this year when we got half a chance of a good result, we're there to take it. And I'm pretty relaxed. Just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.”

Russell admits Mercedes had high expectations arriving in Montreal following a strong showing a year ago, and is pleased the team was able to maximize its potential for its first win of the season.

“it's been great to get the win and seeing Kimi [Antonelli] up here as well on the podium. Really, really pleased for him. And as a team, we've been performing so well this year. Up until the last triple header, we'd maximized every single race weekend, whether that was the P2 in Bahrain or the other podiums we had.

“But coming into Canada, we knew we did have the potential to fight for pole and for the race win, and, ultimately, it came down to that quali lap. There was obviously not much movement in terms of positions shuffling around but really pleased with the job.”

Russell was made to wait for his victory to be confirmed by a Red Bull protest, but during the race he felt he had Verstappen under control given the pace Mercedes could display.

“To be honest, for the last couple of weeks, obviously, there's lots of noise going on, after what happened in Spain as well. But from my side, you put it to one side, and you know that if you make a good start, you get into a groove… I knew I had potentially the fastest car, you've got to dial into that and put all of the additional noise to one side.

“Of course, it was a bit challenging at points when you had Charles [Leclerc] and Lando [Norris] on the offset strategy, and they were kind of getting in our way. But as soon as I had clear air, I could comfortably pull the gap out. It wasn't dead easy, but I felt confident in myself and the car.

“I was keeping a close eye on how Kimi was getting on, and on the TVs, and seeing Lando and Oscar [Piastri] closing down. But, no, it was a good day, and I feel proud of myself, feel proud of the team, especially after this time 12 months ago when it was a victory lost.”