---
title: "Russell has ‘more confidence and belief’ after Sakhir GP display"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2021/03/22/russell-has-more-confidence-and-belief-after-sakhir-gp-display/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2021-03-22T11:47:04Z"
modified: "2021-03-22T11:47:05Z"
---

# Russell has ‘more confidence and belief’ after Sakhir GP display

George Russell says his one-off appearance for Mercedes at last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix has given him “more confidence and belief” going in to the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Mercedes junior Russell stood in for Lewis Hamilton at the second Bahrain event following the seven-time world champion’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

Russell came within a whisker of a maiden pole position in qualifying but, after claiming the race lead at the first corner, went on to dominate the race, before a tyre mix-up and late puncture denied him a potential debut victory.

The performance earned Russell many plaudits having out-performed Mercedes regular Vallteri Bottas, prompting suggestions the display could lead to a Mercedes seat in 2022.

Looking back on his stand-in appearance on Bahrain’s outer loop circuit, Russell feels the experience gave him greater self-belief in his own ability.

“What was very interesting for me was I qualified second, which was my best qualifying ever – I think previously it was 12th – and I was disappointed not to be on pole,” Russell said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.

“Just because you’re suddenly at the front of a grid, it doesn’t change that goal, that satisfaction you get by getting the absolute most out of your equipment.

“Equally coming away from that event, I had a few tough days. But equally I put it behind me, I learned from it. I was very grateful to Mercedes and Williams for giving me the chance, and ultimately I had to see that race as a victory in itself, even if I didn’t get the trophy at the end of the day.

“\[I am\] then coming into the season with more confidence and belief in myself, and that’s great for me, great for the team and great for everyone. So yeah, it was a good opportunity.”

Russell returned to Williams for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and is now preparing for his third year with the team.

The Briton was the preferred choice to replace Hamilton for the Sakhir race over Mercedes reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who was confirmed to be continuing his role alongside Formula E team-mate Nyck de Vries this year.

Mercedes is also believed to be considering Nico Hulkenberg as another potential back-up, but Russell was unfazed whether these appointments could prevent him standing in again for the team in 2021 should the opportunity arise.

“I mean nothing official has been decided,” Russell said. “Obviously that was all arranged very last minute for us last year.

“They need to be prepared because these things can happen on a Friday night, for another driver to be able to do the race, but I think we’ll just cross that bridge when we get there.”