Photo: Race Pictures

Russell wants to go head-to-head with 'gold standard' Verstappen

07:01, 20 Dec

byTim Kraaij

George Russell would love nothing more than to go up against Max Verstappen to show how good he is. The Brit is certain he is ready for a title fight right now.

"He's the only driver on the grid that you'd want to be teammates with to see your competitiveness."

- George Russell

George Russell arguably made the strongest impression of his career in what was already his seventh season in Formula 1. Behind the top three — Max Verstappen and the two McLaren drivers —, Russell was consistently strong all year. He was always just behind or occasionally marginally ahead of the championship contenders.

Despite that, Russell was not involved in the title battle. In 2022, he got his first chance at Mercedes, but after three seasons with Williams, the Mercedes seat arguably came a year too late.

Mercedes had the best car and engine on the grid between 2014 and 2021, but it didn’t tackle the 2022 regulations as well as its rivals. As a result, Russell had to make do with podiums and the occasional victory, but a title challenge was certainly out of reach.

Hwever, it is something Russell truly feels ready for by the end of 2025. The Brit was more consistent than ever this year and, as the only driver besides the three title contenders who managed to win a race. In fact, Russell did it twice: first in Canada and later in Singapore.

Russell is ready to become a champion

“I definitely know I can mix it with those guys at the top,” Russell confidently began in a conversation with a select group of media, including GPblog.

"Max is obviously the gold standard at the moment I think he's the one that I'd want to go head-to-head with. He's the only driver on the grid that you'd want to be teammates with to see your competitiveness.

"But I always remind myself of Schumacher at Ferrari, that it took five years with the team before the first championship. People only remember the glory years, but no one remembers ’96, ’97, ’98, the majority of people don't. They don't remember the four years of failure, but there was no championship wins.

George Russell feels ready for the world title - Photo: RacePictures

"For me to finish second in the championship or 20th in the championship, honestly speaking, it's kind of the same thing. You're not winning. Coming from Williams when I was at the back every single weekend, that was so frustrating, but now I'm in this position still not fighting for a championship.

"It isn't really much different if that makes sense like you're either fighting for a championship or you're not, and if you're not, no one ever wants to fight for P2. So I'm ready for it, but I know my time, I have to be patient."

In 2026, Russell seems to have the best chance to challenge for that desired title. For the coming season, the rules have been completely overhauled and every team could be in the mix for the championship. Russell will be hoping that Mercedes has the best package in terms of both the engine and the car for 2026.

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