George Russell thinks he is ready to take the next step in his career by challenging for the Formula One world title.

Russell claimed his second victory of the season on Sunday as he capped a dominant weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver is fourth in the drivers' standings, 99 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.

And though a title tilt is out of his reach this season, Russell feels well-placed to challenge in the coming years.

"I'm a very different driver today to the one I was a couple of years ago, and I feel more complete, more confident," he said.

"I know exactly what I need to do in given circumstances.

"Of course, I was nervous before the race as you'd expect, but I didn't feel any additional nerves or any additional pressure. It just felt like another race, and I knew I had a chance to win, and I felt comfortable with that.

"I've said it for a while – I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to take it to my next step."

George's name is added to Singapore folklore by Ross Butler! #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/OYAjfuOITT

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 6, 2025

Russell now has 146 races under his belt in F1, and the 27-year-old thinks that experience will prove key as he aims to get his hands on the title.

"I think it comes with experience, just knowing how to maximise every situation," he added.

"Probably a couple of years ago, I was driving a bit more tense and probably overpushing in circumstances when I shouldn't have been.

"Now I just feel much more relaxed. Going into [Sunday's race], I was relaxed.

"There's nothing I can do, so there's no point stressing about it. I think a few years ago would have been slightly different."

Russell has now scored points in each of his last 10 races, the best current streak of any driver in F1.