Russell on negative side social media: 'First a hero, then a zero'

A lot is said and talked about top athletes, and of course it is no different in Formula 1. On social media, then, F1 drivers play a big role. It can make for funny, but also certainly not so funny moments among the drivers. George Russell spoke to The Athletic about a negative role of social media.

"There’s a lot of hate and negativity," the Mercedes driver told the American medium. "And it’s almost impossible to avoid. It doesn’t matter who it’s about, I’d say 50 percent of the time it’s negative, I find that quite tough to comprehend," Russell continued.

"This sport swings so quickly. One minute you’re a hero, the next you’re zero, and it can swing as quickly as from FP3 to qualifying or from race to race. I’ve been in a position where I’ve been on a roll for a couple of races, and then suddenly, the next race, I’m off the pace. And it’s like, ’S—, how am I dealing with this?’ What’s going on? And most of the time, it’s up in your head," Russell added explaining the effects of social media.

A few months ago, for example, there was a situation in America with negative social media influence. During the Detroit Grand Prix of the IndyCar, Arrow McLaren driver Theo Pourchaire made contact with an Argentinian driver, Agustin Canapino. After the crash, the Frenchman even received death threats.