George Russell asserts he could have beaten Max Verstappen with Lando Norris's McLaren

In the lead-up to the final Formula 1 races of the 2023 season, George Russell has made a bold assertion regarding his potential championship success against Max Verstappen. The 26-year-old Mercedes driver, who recently triumphed at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, expressed confidence that he would have secured the title had he been racing in Lando Norris's McLaren. This claim comes amidst a broader analysis of the current racing season, where Russell highlights the inconsistency of his British rival. Russell noted that Norris and the McLaren team have, in his view, squandered numerous opportunities to capitalize on their pace and the mistakes of others, which has allowed Verstappen to dominate the championship race early on. As Russell's performance has fluctuated throughout the season, he reflected on his standings against his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Following a season where Russell outperformed Hamilton, he now trails behind but feels prepared to make a significant push for the title as Hamilton's departure looms closer. Russell's determination is evident; he emphasized that technical issues, like his disqualification in Belgium for an underweight car, significantly hindered his championship bid, claiming he could have been leading by a substantial margin if such setbacks had not occurred. The competitive tension within Mercedes is palpable, especially with Hamilton's impending exit from the team, which Russell believes won't drastically shift the team's dynamic. His focus remains on achieving a world championship title, a goal he feels is within reach, especially considering the recent performance of his car and the points lost by his competitors. Russell insists that despite Verstappen's current position, he is beatable, pointing out that the Red Bull driver has not managed to win consistently in recent races. Russell's confidence stems from both his recent successes and his insightful grasp of the championship situation, highlighting how crucial it is for competitors to capitalize on potential wins. In addressing the difference between his performances and those of Norris, Russell acknowledged his own consistency in achieving poles and maximizing the results when opportunities arise. He attributed part of Verstappen's success to the latter's ability to seize opportunities when they present themselves, a quality that Russell believes has been lacking from Norris and the McLaren team this season. In concluding his analysis, Russell maintains that his trajectory is positive, and with more consistent performance leading into the last races, he will continue to challenge for the championship.