George Russell Fires Back at Max Verstappen Amid R…read more
Mercedes F1 driver George Russell has stirred the pot in the Formula 1 paddock once again, taking a pointed jab at reigning champion Max Verstappen amid ongoing tensions between the two. With the 2025 season in full swing and speculation mounting about future driver line-ups, Russell’s latest comments underline both his confidence and the simmering rivalry that has grown between the pair.
Having spent three seasons alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Russell has made it clear that he doesn’t fear anyone as a teammate — not even Verstappen. In fact, Russell’s record at Mercedes has been quietly impressive. Since joining the Silver Arrows in 2022 after three developmental years at Williams, the Briton has beaten Hamilton in two of their three years together, including in his debut season with the team.
That 2022 campaign was especially significant for Russell. Joining a Mercedes squad coming off eight straight constructors’ titles — yet still reeling from Hamilton’s narrow and controversial 2021 championship defeat to Verstappen — Russell quickly made his mark. While Mercedes struggled to adapt to the new technical regulations, Russell showed consistency and grit. He notched eight podiums, claimed his first career victory in Brazil, and finished fourth in the drivers’ standings, outscoring Hamilton by 35 points. It was a breakout year that elevated his status within the sport.
Now, in his first season as the de facto team leader following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Russell has continued to impress. With four podiums in 2025 already, he’s thriving in a leadership role, partnered with promising Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli. Yet, despite Russell’s solid performances, it is Antonelli who has been drawing headlines as a future world champion. Both drivers remain unconfirmed at Mercedes beyond 2025, but Russell’s form and experience could prove decisive as the team charts its future.
Speaking to MotorsportTotal.com, Russell issued a bold statement that appears aimed at Verstappen, saying, “I’ve always said that I’m not afraid of being someone’s teammate. At the end of 2021, Lewis was the hottest stock in the field. No one would have thought that someone at Mercedes could beat him as a teammate. I came in and performed from the first race. I always believed in myself.”
Russell went on to draw parallels between Hamilton’s once-intimidating reputation and Verstappen’s current dominance, remarking, “The reputation Lewis had is the same one Max has now. No one believes Max is beatable, and the same was thought about Lewis back then.”
He also referenced Hamilton’s historic rookie season in 2007, saying, “People forget that Lewis came into Formula 1 as a rookie — and was on the podium every time in his first six races, with a two-time world champion as teammate. That says a lot.”
Russell’s comments come in the wake of a contentious rivalry with Verstappen that escalated after last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Russell branded the Dutchman a “bully.” Tensions intensified further following the recent Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen appeared to make contact with Russell’s car in a controversial incident.
Despite not winning a race in 2025 so far, Russell’s consistency and ability to challenge Verstappen and the McLaren duo at the front of the grid has earned praise. With an eye on 2026, the 26-year-old remains focused on contending for his first world title.
Speculation also continues to swirl around Verstappen’s future, with the Red Bull ace reportedly weighing his options amid team performance issues and potential exit clauses in his contract. If Verstappen does leave Red Bull, a sensational pairing with Russell at Mercedes could be on the cards — setting up one of the most explosive teammate battles in recent F1 history.
