Russell says he 'doesn't feel lost' after Baku win as Sepang looms

George Russell goes to Sepang feeling like himself again. The Mercedes driver won in Azerbaijan, his third victory of the season and his first in three months, and says he can now fight for wins every weekend. He still trails team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 66 points in the championship BBC Sport.

"I don't feel lost any more," Russell said. He said his confidence is back and still growing, and driving is coming more naturally to him again.

Russell said he has made a breakthrough in understanding how to drive the Mercedes. He started the year as championship favourite, before Antonelli took control early on. Now he wants to finish a difficult season on a high.

Baku summed up the swing between the two garages. Antonelli crashed in qualifying — the timed session that sets the starting order — lined up 16th and fought back to fifth. The Italian called it probably his worst weekend of the season.

Mercedes will bring their first major upgrade in some time to Sepang. That means new parts aimed at finding lap time. Even so, the team expects a strong challenge from McLaren, because the track characteristics should suit their rival.

There was also backing for Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur from Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton called Vasseur "the guy to lead us" and said removing him would be a mistake. Hamilton is third in the drivers' title race, with Ferrari second in the constructors' battle BBC Sport.

For fans, this means a clearer fight at the front. Russell is driving with freedom again. Antonelli has room to breathe in the points. And Sepang will test whether new parts and renewed belief can close the gap.