George Russell: Older me can’t envy Lando Norris’ F1 title, he “deserves it”

George Russell offered a mature and gracious response to Lando Norris securing his first Formula 1 world championship, stating that the older, more experienced version of himself feels no envy, only respect for a rival who "deserves it."

Why it matters:

Russell's comments highlight the personal growth and perspective that comes with time in the high-pressure world of F1. His acknowledgment of the difficulty in sustaining top-level performance and seizing a fleeting championship opportunity underscores the respect drivers have for each other's achievements, even among direct competitors.

The details:

• Norris secured the title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a podium finish, ultimately beating Max Verstappen by a narrow two-point margin after a strong and consistent second half of the season.
• When asked about his feelings on Norris's success, Russell contrasted his current mindset with a potentially more envious younger self.
• He emphasized the unpredictable nature of championship opportunities in F1 and praised Norris's "incredible" driving form during the title-deciding phase of the season.
• Russell concluded by affirming Norris should enjoy the moment, though he indicated he wouldn't be joining the celebrations personally.

The big picture:

Russell's reaction is a testament to the complex relationships between drivers who have competed against each other since their karting days. His focus on the difficulty of the achievement rather than personal rivalry reflects a seasoned perspective within the paddock, where respect often grows alongside the recognition of how hard it is to win at the highest level.