19/06/2025 09:15
George Russell has revealed his shock at how he and Max Verstappen
are still within touching distance of McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and
Lando Norris in the F1 drivers' title fight. Verstappen sits third
in the standings, 43 points adrift of Piastri, whilst Russell is 62
points behind the Australian. Russell reduced his deficit to
Piastri after comfortably winning the Canadian Grand Prix, ahead of
Verstappen and teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli. The Briton's
pursuit of the McLaren drivers in the title race was helped by
Lando Norris retiring at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after
causing an intra-team collision with Piastri. It marked the first
occasion where the McLaren duo were involved in the same incident,
with Russell outlining its importance should he become world
champion. In the King's Lynn-born driver's eyes, McLaren's pace is
too strong for him and Verstappen to compete with; however, Norris
and Piastri clashing more often could open a door of opportunity.
"I mean, to be honest, I don't really know how Max and I are so
close to those two because they clearly have the most dominant
car," Russell told the media in the post-race press conference,
before turning to look at Verstappen. "I think the two of us have
been very consistent and getting the maximum result from our
packages week in, week out. But I can't imagine them continuing to
throw away points in the manner they're doing. "Of course, we hope
that continues to be the case, but I don't foresee us getting in
the championship fight through pure pace as Lando did last year.
"We'll only be there if results like [Canada] continue or things
like [Canada] continue to happen."
