Novak Djokovic is a renowned figure in the world of tennis but his influence also extends into other sports with Formula One being one of those.
Mercedes driver George Russell has been sharing ideas with the former world No.1 about staying in the sport for as long as possible. Djokovic, who turned 37 in May, is the oldest player in the world’s top 30 in the PIF ATP rankings. He has won 12 out of his 24 Grand Slam titles after turning 30.
Russell, who is 26, said the two got talking after bumping into each other at the gym. The Brit has achieved two victories and three pole positions so far in his career on the F1 circuit. He is currently in seventh position in the 2024 Driver Standings with 111 points.
“I bumped into him at the gym, and we walked home together,” Russell told the Reuters News Agency.
“We’ve shared ideas together, and he’s been really open with me with things he’s trying and what’s working for him. We’re just talking, many different ideas. Physical and mental.
“I don’t want to share too much because they are private conversations, but I just really like how he’s constantly wanting to learn more and that inspires me to learn more about myself, what works for me, what works for them and pushing the boundaries.”
The hope for Russell is that the tips he receives from Djokovic will help him in the future so he can continue driving for as long as possible. He will continue driving for Mercedes until at least 2025 which is when his contract renewal is due.
“There’s a lot that he knows that I won’t and vice versa, and you’ve got to take all these ideas from the best in each profession and see what you can take for yourself,” he said.
“I feel fit, healthy and in a great place right now at the age of 26 but I need to make sure that I’m fit, healthy and as motivated in 10 years’ time, 15 years’ time, who knows, 20 years’ time.
“I’m trying to put in work now.”
Russel is a tennis fan and describes the sport as ‘probably his favourite to watch.‘ He attended Wimbledon earlier this year with his girlfriend and caught up with the Serbian tennis star.
Despite his age, Djokovic has no plans to retire and has stated intended his intention to return to Wimbledon next year following his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the final seven days ago. In recent years he has made adjustments to his schedule to prioritise the Grand Slam events.
“I don’t have anything else in my thoughts right now that this is my last Wimbledon.” He said.
“I really want to play at least whatever. I don’t know. I don’t have any limitations in my mind. I still want to keep going and play as long as I feel like I can play at this high level.”
