George Russell has sparked debate in the Formula 1 community by stating that Max Verstappen “arguably shouldn’t have won the championship this year.” While acknowledging Verstappen’s exceptional talent, Russell pointed out that errors from rival teams and drivers ultimately paved the way for Verstappen’s F1 2024 title.
Verstappen’s Challenging Season Despite starting the season on a high note, Verstappen faced difficulties mid-season, going 10 races without a victory. During this phase, his primary focus shifted to maintaining consistency and securing points to retain his lead in the championship standings. Russell emphasized that Verstappen’s triumph highlighted his ability to capitalize on opportunities that others failed to seize.
Russell’s Confidence in Future Championship Fight Russell, who will enter his seventh year in Formula 1 in 2025 and his fourth year with Mercedes, expressed confidence in his ability to challenge Verstappen if given the opportunity. Speaking to The Times, he said:
“I feel absolutely ready to take my journey to the next level and I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to fight against Max [Verstappen] and if we get the opportunity, I’m not going to waste it.”
Russell highlighted that Verstappen’s rivals missed several chances to dethrone him during the season, which ultimately allowed the Red Bull driver to secure the title in Las Vegas in November.
Consistency Over Competitiveness While Verstappen’s RB20 underperformed at times compared to rivals, Russell praised the Dutch driver’s consistency, which played a crucial role in securing his third consecutive championship. Russell remarked:
“Arguably, Max shouldn’t have won the championship this year, but the others made a few more errors and didn’t capitalise when they had the chance.”
Russell emphasized that Formula 1 is unpredictable, and success hinges on making the most of rare opportunities. He specifically mentioned McLaren’s Lando Norris, who showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season but couldn’t maintain a consistent challenge.
The Unpredictability of F1 Russell acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, citing Red Bull’s surprising dip in form as an example:
“Opportunities don’t come around every single day. This year was Lando’s chance. They [McLaren] might be there again next year. They may not. We just don’t know in this sport; nobody would have predicted Red Bull to fall off form in the manner that they have.”
Verstappen’s Winning Mentality Despite the criticism, Russell praised Verstappen’s ability to seize opportunities when they arose, setting him apart from his competitors:
“There’s so much hype around Max. He’s such an exceptional driver, but the fact is, he’s won one race in the last 12 [at time of publication] and, it just goes to show everyone is beatable because you are at the mercy of your race car.”
Russell concluded by underscoring Verstappen’s mental strength and strategic approach, noting that he made the most of every chance he had, unlike his rivals.
Looking Ahead to 2025 With Russell expressing confidence in his ability to fight for a title, all eyes are now on the upcoming F1 season. As teams regroup and prepare for 2025, the question remains: Can Russell or any other driver dethrone Verstappen?
Conclusion George Russell’s comments have ignited a broader conversation about consistency versus competitiveness in Formula 1. While Verstappen’s talent is undeniable, his 2024 victory may be remembered as one where rivals faltered rather than one dominated outright. Fans and analysts alike are now eagerly anticipating next season’s battles, with Russell positioning himself as a strong contender to challenge Verstappen’s reign.
