Russell talks down Verstappen's 2023 F1 title with theory on Hamilton rivalry

06 October 2023 , 16:26

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Russell discussed Verstappen's 2023 achievements (Image: HOCH ZWEI/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

George Russell is certain Max Verstappen will take less enjoyment from his inevitable third Formula 1 crown.

Verstappen needs just three points across the rest of the season to make the championship mathematically certain. He's highly likely to achieve it at this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix.

With five full race weekends still to go after the action north of Doha has concluded, it is clear that he has been unchallenged throughout the season. Red Bull have been a cut above the competition, having built a much superior car.

So it is much different to what Verstappen had to do to get his hands on his first title. That 2021 battle with Lewis Hamilton across the whole season will go down as one of the great F1 title fights, irrespective of the sour way in which the championship was decided.

In comparison to that season, Russell thinks the Dutchman will have taken much less satisfaction from the relative walk in the park he has enjoyed this year. "When it comes to any great in any sport, if the pressure is not turned up, you are in for a comfortable ride," he told the Press Association.

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"And I am sure the 2021 championship fight was more satisfying for him because it was a true battle. He has been exceptional this year, and there is no doubt about that. Week after week, he has performed at such a high level.

"But we see the strategy review before every race, and the prediction every weekend, is of him going off into the distance. He can drive at 90 per cent and still win with 10 seconds to spare, and he knows that."

When his third title is confirmed, Verstappen will join the likes of Sir Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna on the list of F1's triple champions. "I'm very proud to be able to achieve these kind of things. But also, I live very much in the moment," the Red Bull racer said.

"So I want to, of course, achieve more. And I know that once I stop racing, I have time to look back at it and appreciate it probably even more. But for sure, it's something that I never even thought about when I was a little kid that this was possible."

He still has a way to go to catch seven-time champion Hamilton, but the Brit was very complimentary about his rival's achievements. "Him and the team have been phenomenal this year, faultless, and I think they've raised the bar," he said of Verstappen and Red Bull.

Daniel Moxon