Doornbos impressed by Russell who looks to be 'forcing a new contract'

The 2025 Formula 1 season is only five races in, but an exciting title fight is already underway. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris remain the favourites, but it's become clear we shouldn't discount Max Verstappen. In an interview with GPblog, Doornbos stated that we also shouldn't forget about Russell.

The last time an intense title battle between two teammates was witnessed was in 2016 between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. The two were always good friends, but the contest for the 2016 world title saw high tensions, with the friendship eventually going awry during the Spanish Grand Prix, where the two drivers collided, taking each other out. We all know how that race ended: Max Verstappen clinched his first victory on his debut for Red Bull in Barcelona. The title went to Rosberg, who then decided to retire.

While Russell has yet to truly compete for victories in 2025, he tends to be well-placed. Fighting for positions often occurs ahead and behind the Brit while he calmly runs his race. Asked whether Russell could benefit from the title battle between Piastri and Norris this season, Doornbos told GPblog: “One hundred per cent, one hundred per cent. I think that Russell has really stepped up this year.”

"He's consistent, and he truly feels like he's the team leader," continued the Dutchman. "The pressure from a young super talent on the rise, whom the team boss is almost in love with, playing almost a paternal role and promoting him heavily... Yes, you then have to deliver. And with all due respect to Russell, in this way, he's just forcing a new contract. And possibly pressure for a first world title."

Whether an actual new contract for Russell materialises remains to be seen. It's an open secret that Mercedes is eager to partner with Max Verstappen. The Dutchman is linked with a move away from Red Bull, with Aston Martin and Mercedes viewed as his most likely options. However, a spot would need to be available for the Dutch contender. And the chance of Antonelli being sent away seems slim, given Mercedes' significant investment in the rookie over the past years.

Asked which rookies have made the most impression in 2025, Russell's teammate was mentioned, alongside another impressive young driver so far: "Antonelli and Isaac Hadjar. I think those two, because you always have to consider the quality relative to the material they have.

"Gabriel Bortoletto is just hard to assess at the moment. Because he's driving a car that's just not competitive. And he himself wants to learn, to rack up miles. While he's very talented. But if I have to choose now, then it's Antonelli," Doornbos concluded.