Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Max can drive at 90 per cent and win – Russell
GEORGE Russell believes that Max Verstappen’s imminent third world title will carry less satisfaction than his 2021 triumph over Lewis Hamilton because he has not been made to fight.
The imperious Dutchman, in his all-conquering Red Bull machine, has failed to win just three of the 16 rounds so far, and he is expected to sew up his latest championship in today’s sprint round in Qatar. A sixth-placed finish in the 19-lap dash round the Lusail International Circuit is all he needs.
Verstappen saw off Hamilton in a title battle for the ages two years ago before following up his controversial maiden world crown with a second last year. But on the eve of his third coronation, Russell said the lack of firm competition has allowed his rival to excel.
“When it comes to any great in any sport, if the pressure is not turned up, you are in for a comfortable ride,” Russell said ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix. “And I am sure the 2021 championship fight was more satisfying for him because it was a true battle.
“He has been exceptional this year, and there is no doubt about that. Week-after-week he has performed at such a high level.
“But we see the strategy review before every race, and the prediction every weekend, is of him going off into the distance. He can drive at 90 per cent and still win with ten seconds to spare, and he knows that.”
Russell was close to tears after he allowed a rare opportunity to win slip through his fingers in Singapore – a race where he crashed out on the last lap – before he was embroiled in a number of spiky radio exchanges at the previous round in Japan as he duelled with Hamilton.
However, the younger Briton is adamant he can beat the seven-time world champion in a title fight if Mercedes provide him with the tools to do so.
“Absolutely,” said Russell, who will be paired with Hamilton until at least the end of 2025. “When you are going up against the best of all time, you are testing yourself. I am here to win world titles and I am here to fight.”