George Russell has aimed a subtle dig at Formula 1 frontrunners McLaren, asserting that the Woking-based team should comfortably secure the 2025 world championships.
Despite being just 14 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, the Mercedes driver believes Norris should have a larger lead. "I'd like to say it's doable," Russell said when asked about his own title prospects, "but you've seen that McLaren in the hands of the right driver does a good job. They're head and shoulders above the rest."
Russell's reference to 'the right driver' appeared to target Norris, who finished a disappointing third in Bahrain, behind race winner Oscar Piastri and Russell himself. "We (Mercedes) are in a position where we are 60 points behind them in the championship, probably because of their mistakes rather than pure performance," Russell remarked in Saudi Arabia.
"You could say that (McLaren) car could have finished first and second in every race so far this year."
Russell suggested McLaren's dominance might wane in Barcelona, where the FIA is set to tighten regulations on wing flexing, a feature prominent in McLaren's car. "That's clearly where McLaren have excelled," he said.
"So until that race I don't see the order really shifting. That will be a decisive weekend to see if they take a step back and the teams come closer together."
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella dismissed such claims, arguing that teams with less flexible wings are not inherently slower. "If you decide to do what we are doing within the regulations, your performance actually becomes a trade-off," the Italian stated. "There are benefits to what Red Bull do and they work very hard at it."
Beyond McLaren's on-track supremacy, Norris' current form is a major talking point in Jeddah. Former F1 team owner Giancarlo Minardi, observing from afar, praised Piastri's evolution into "a complete driver."
"For me, he is the first contender for the title, considering Norris' mental difficulties," Minardi said.
Piastri embraced his reputation for composure. "I also think that's one of my strong points—and staying calm in critical situations," the Australian said. "I hope it's not the only one," he laughed.
Norris, however, admitted to struggling after Bahrain. "I needed a couple of days off to recharge," the Briton said, "and I wouldn't mind a few more days off now. I know I am sometimes too hard on myself. 95 percent of the time it's positive and makes me who I am. But I admit there have been times when I have said too much negative stuff and it has stuck in my head."
