How Novak Djokovic mentored Mercedes' George Russell
How Novak Djokovic mentored Mercedes' George Russell
By Jay Postrado July 20, 2024 07:56
One might think that both the legendary Toto Wolff and seven-time World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton would be enough for one growing driver. For George Russell, who is striving for all sorts of greatness, there’s always a lot to learn. So, he decided to learn from one of the greatest athletes to have ever existed, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.
It is not the first time that a star from one sport gets mentored by another. But, the way the Mercedes driver and tennis royalty met was not in the most formal of settings. George Russell apparently saw Novak Djokovic in Monaco a few years back at a gym. The two had a great workout session together and ended up walking home, per Reuters. From then on, the Mercedes driver has been seeking advice from Nole.
"We've shared ideas together, and he's been really open with me with things he's trying and what's working for him. We're just talking about many different ideas. Physical and mental. I don't want to share too much because they are private conversations, but I just really like how he's constantly wanting to learn more and that inspires me to learn more about myself, what works for me, what works for them, and pushing the boundaries,” Russell declared.
Before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell managed to help Mercedes get back into the World Constructors’ Championship race. He managed to pull off a win at Red Bull Ring and was even close to a double podium finish at Silverstone if not for a technical failure. Nonetheless, he has 111 championship points due to the Austrian Grand Prix win and two other podium finishes.
All of this could be attributed to how Djokovic has impacted his overall mentality when it comes to staying fit and ready for race days.
"There's a lot that he knows that I won't and vice versa, and you've got to take all these ideas from the best in each profession and see what you can take for yourself. I feel fit, healthy, and in a great place right now at the age of 26 but I need to make sure that I'm fit, healthy, and as motivated in 10 years' time, 15 years' time, who knows, 20 years' time. I'm trying to put in work now,” he concluded.
Will the young British driver have the same longevity as Lewis Hamilton and Novak Djokovic when it’s all said and done?
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