For seven years now, Russell has been a driver simply ready for the proper automotive, and this yr he might need it. This yr’s new guidelines have given Mercedes an opportunity for a reset, and the indication thus far is that they’ve made a a lot better job of it than final time round.
The sensation within the paddock leaving testing final month is that Mercedes and Ferrari have been the groups in the most effective form, with Purple Bull and McLaren maybe a bit of behind in a comparatively carefully matched prime 4 that’s greater than a second a lap away from everybody else.
Russell is assured sufficient in Mercedes’ potential to say that he “thinks we have delivered a really robust automotive” however he is cautious of the efficiency of Purple Bull’s new engine.
Even so, his sights are set excessive. “I do need to go head-to-head with Max,” he says. “and clearly Lando had an excellent season final yr.”
As issues stand, earlier than Melbourne offers the primary glimpse of an actual aggressive order, Russell’s apparent potential rivals this yr are Verstappen, Norris, Piastri and the 2 Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Hamilton, if the seven-time champion can rediscover the mojo he appeared to have misplaced final yr, and to some extent in 2024.
Of Russell’s 19-year-old team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who’s going into his second season after an up-and-down debut in 2025, Wolff says: “I am completely sure it is going to be yr for him, however I do not assume we should always anticipate him to be like George on a regular basis.”
Russell is nice buddies with world champion Norris and Leclerc. The three got here up by the junior ranks collectively and all imagine that the extraordinary competitors they gave one another, together with Williams’ Alex Albon, was an essential consider all of them reaching F1, because it compelled every to maintain elevating their very own requirements to maintain up with the others.
Nevertheless it’s maybe a battle with Verstappen that whets the urge for food most.
