Overview

• Published Thursday, the essay recounts how his father intentionally clicked a manual stopwatch late during kart practice to make him push harder.
• Russell writes that the stopwatch felt like his "mortal enemy" and recalls often winning on race weekends despite believing he lacked pace in practice.
• The narrative centers on his relationship with his father before turning to the influence of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and reflections on former teammate Lewis Hamilton.
• The 27-year-old is a five-time grand prix winner and has recently signed a new contract to stay with Mercedes.
• Coverage notes he is one of this season's standout performers, currently fourth in the drivers' championship with six races remaining.