Russell sees 'killer' Verstappen overpower surprisingly 'not favourite' McLaren

Russell knows it all too well having battled the Dutchman on numerous occasions, you just can't give Verstappen a gap.

"If you leave the door open, you know Max is gonna take it. And, it was, the door was open. And he took it," said Russell to media including GPblog after the race in Imola.

"That was a bit frustrating. I was obviously boxed in. I made a really strong start but the track is just too narrow for these big F1 cars these days, there's nothing you can do."

Replying to a question put forward by GPblog Russell was then faced with his comments regarding McLaren being the favourites to take the win at Imola at the beginning of the race weekend. Does he have an explanation to why and how Verstappen and Red Bull managed to turn the tables around so quickly?

"No, not really to be honest. It's a thing, there's always a bit of a surprise in it. Some races, you expect one team to be quick, but it turns out in an opposite direction."