Jacques Villeneuve expects 26-year-old driver to be ‘even more aggressive’ this season

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Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has admitted that he expects Mercedes driver George Russell to be even more aggressive this season.

The 26-year-old got his season off to a very strong start and while he couldn’t convert his third-place start into a podium, he made a real statement in comparison to teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Speaking to GP Fans, Villeneuve explained why he thinks George Russell might be trying even harder in 2024 despite his place in the team being secured for the next few years.

Villeneuve expects to see more ‘aggressive’ Russell in 2024

One of the big questions going into this Formula 1 season and beyond is whether George Russell is a strong enough driver to lead Mercedes going forward.

Following in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton is going to be nearly impossible for Russell given his experience and success in the sport.

He only has a single race win to his name coming in Brazil in 2022 and last year he was left behind by the gaggle of drivers challenging for fourth in the championship during the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

His big chance to win last year was in Singapore but a mistake on the final lap following Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz closely ended his chances.

Jacques Villeneuve now believes Russell is going to be more aggressive this year to prove he has what it takes to lead the team.

However, the calibre of the drivers being linked with the vacant seat might mean he has to settle for equal status or being number two once again.

Fernando Alonso is a potential option and would only settle for being on a par with Russell and with the turmoil at Red Bull not going anywhere, Max Verstappen could be looking for a new seat…

Russell with point to prove heading into 2024

Speaking about the 26-year-old, Villeneuve said: “I’m expecting something very exciting.

“But partly with all the social aspects within the teams. Inside Mercedes, why would the team push for Lewis [Hamilton]?

“And why would George not be even more aggressive than before?

“Because he now has to settle his spot as the leader of Mercedes, which will be exciting.”

Villeneuve’s suggestion that Russell might end up being even more aggressive than before would at least provide some more excitement on-track.

If Red Bull are going to continue to dominate then Russell will want to try and be the best of the rest.

That would put him in a very strong position heading into 2025 and beyond.