Max Verstappen and George Russell are fierce rivals because of their respective team’s history. Mercedes and Red Bull are the arch-rivals who have dominated the grid for the last thirteen years. At first, it was Red Bull who won four consecutive championships with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013. But then Mercedes took over the hegemony and dominated the grid for a double time longer than what Red Bull did. With Toto Wolff as team principal and Lewis Hamilton as the star driver, the Silver Arrows won eight consecutive constructor titles from 2014 to 2021.
However, since last year, Red Bull has taken back their place at the top again. This time, the Austrian team’s main weapon is the Dutch Driver Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has won a record 15 races last season. He broke Vettel’s record of 13 wins in a season with Red Bull. Later, in 2023, Max Verstappen has already won 10 out of 12 Grand Prix so far. But both Russell and Verstappen like to have fun like two 25-year-old boys.
Max Believes Russell’s Ego Got Hurt
There is a long way to go for Russell to catch up to Verstappen. However, on a lighter note, the two drivers know how to have fun. Moreover, recently, in a press conference before the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, George Russell discussed taking part in water sports activities. But Russell did mention he had apprehensions before regarding taking part in these games. It is because he was too cautious for injuries. But he mentioned he actually had fun doing it, finally. Later, the moderator, Tom Clarkson, asked what injuries were Russell talking about. In reply, Max Verstappen interjected, saying, “That hurts Russell’s ego.” The conference room had a light fun as a result of Verstappen’s interjection.
Moreover, George Russell replied he did not post a few videos where he fell down, but he really enjoyed that experience. On the other hand, George Russell mentioned there are ten drivers on the grid currently who can win with the RB19 car. That’s how superior the Red Bull’s car is, Russell believes. The Mercedes driver feels even Max would like to fight to make the last little difference. That’s what racing is all about. Basically, George Russell was talking about the lack of competition on the grid at present due to Red Bull’s superior car.
George Russell Indeed Has A Long Way To Catch Up To Max Verstappen
Overall, in the last three years, the Dutchman has managed to win ten races on an average per season. He has won 35 races in two and a half years. On the other hand, George Russell made his debut for Mercedes last year. He was impressive as he managed to beat his star teammate, Lewis Hamilton, in his debut season. In 2022, Russell won his maiden Grand Prix driving the troublesome Mercedes W13 car. Both Russell and Verstappen are two 25-year-olds, but they had different experiences since they made their debut in F1. George Russell did not have the luck to drive the fastest car on the grid like Verstappen did.
On the other hand, Russell had to drive W13 and W14, which have let Mercedes down in recent times. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton mentioned recently that George Russell did not have pressure on him when he joined the German team. It was like if he fell behind Lewis Hamilton, people would say, “Oh, It’s Okay. He fell behind the seven-time world champion.” But as he was able to beat Hamilton, he became a legend. However, with a difficult car, George Russell managed to get his first Grand Prix win. But in 2023, he and his teammate have been winless. It is mainly because Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez won all the races so far.