George Russell to 'trust his instincts more' as he hunts down Kimi Antonelli

George Russell intends to trust his instincts to drag himself back into the Formula 1 championship fight and overhaul teammate Kimi Antonelli.

The British driver has been unable to match his 19-year-old Mercedes teammate in the grid's dominant car, winning just twice to Antonelli's six, cursing his luck while admitting performances have not been where he wants them.

The 28-year-old returns from the sport's summer break this weekend in Zandvoort 59 points adrift of the Italian and also nine behind Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.

Russell is hoping to use the opportunity for a reset to get his title tilt back on track.

"I fully switched off. Second half of the season will be intense for us all so really made the most of those weeks," Russell said.

"I think every race weekend will be important, you want to build that momentum. Lots of triple headers, we are only just at the halfway point of the season.

"The last three races were tough for different reasons. Looking forward to starting again and looking to get back into a good groove.

"I want to not overthink it, trust in my ability and drive a little more instinctively. That's maybe what I wasn't doing before the break."

Russell used the summer shutdown to make a major move in his personal life, getting engaged to his long-term partner Carmen.

Sat alongside his compatriot Lando Norris, Russell admitted he would love his happy news to rub off on track.

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"I hope it brings a couple of tenths. Even Lando will be getting engaged if it brings a couple of tenths!" Russell joked.

"Personal life is so important. I've been with Carmen for a really long time so I don't think it changes a huge amount.

"It was a really interesting process designing the ring and stuff. I couldn't get my words out though, got very nervous when I was on one knee."