George Russell comes clean on retirement plan and private conversation with Novak Djokovic

George Russell has revealed he plans to race in Formula One well into his forties, just like Fernando Alonso. The Mercedes star opened up about what he's doing now to ensure his longevity in the sport after getting some private advice from Novak Djokovic.

Russell, who has been racing in F1 since 2017, emerged as a bright talent at Williams before stepping up to Mercedes in 2022. The Brit, 27, managed to soak up knowledge from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton over a three-year stint as his team-mate, even finishing above him in the drivers' standings twice.

Now the lead driver for the Silver Arrows, Russell is having his most consistent season yet, despite the W16's pace lagging behind some of its rivals. But with just four race wins under his belt and no world championships yet, he's still chasing his maiden title, while younger rivals like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastricould clinch theirs this year.

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When asked by TV personality Spencer Matthews on the podcast whether he can see himself becoming a world champion, Russell responded: “For sure, I don’t know when it’s going to come.” 

He went on to shed light on his meeting with record 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic at last year’s Wimbledon before revealing his plan to retire in his 40s.

“I had a really good conversation with Novak Djokovic about human performance and what he’s doing currently, but what he was also doing in his 20s. He said to me that in his 20s, he felt he could comfortably miss a day at the gym and it wouldn’t affect him,“ Russell said.

“But he didn’t, and he’s so grateful for that now because he thinks the work he put in during those years is allowing him to continue playing at such a high level into his late 30s. Formula One isn’t as brutal on the body as tennis in terms of constant impact on your legs.

“But I want to be here well into my 40s, and when I see what Fernando Alonso’s doing, that gives me inspiration that I can do that.

"Someone told me this morning that Michael Schumacher won his first title at Ferrari when he was 32 years old. You usually think of Ferrari and Schumacher as utter domination. That’s what I need to tell myself to stay motivated.”

In recent months, there has been growing speculation that Russell could be replaced by his bitter rival, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, after Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was reported to be interested in poaching the Dutchman. 

However, with Verstappen committed to Red Bull for the 2026 season, Russell's position seems secure for the foreseeable future.

The Brit has already been confirmed by Wolff as Mercedes' main man for next year, having done a solid job as the lead driver since Lewis Hamilton's departure. “Definitely, he’s staying,” the Austrian said in Hungary. “The team is strong. He has shown it today again.”

Russell clinched Mercedes' first victory of the season in Canada and has outscored his team-mate Kimi Antonelli 187 points to 64 just past the midway stage of the season, while securing five further podium finishes.