George Russell claims he ‘won’t shy away from jumping alongside Max Verstappen’ to become F1 ‘world champion’

George Russell has been making his trade with Mercedes since 2022.

George Russell claims he ‘won’t shy away from jumping alongside Max Verstappen’ to become F1 ‘world champion’

George Russell and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

George Russell has spoken strongly about his desire to not shy away from the likes of Max Verstappen in wanting to win a world championship. Mercedes is currently the fourth-fastest team on the grid but has had encouraging improvements in their pace since the last few races.

Three-time reigning world champion, Max Verstappen leads the driver’s championship yet again this season, but this time his margin does not appear as dominant as it was before. The Dutch driver faces competition from McLaren and Ferrari, who have picked up their pace.

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George Russell speaks about the changes that will take place in cars after the arrival of new regulations for engines in 2026 and is optimistic about his performance and Mercedes’ hard work to build a faster car. Russell also speaks about not being opposed to the idea of having Verstappen drive alongside him in response to rumors of the latter eyeing a move to Mercedes.

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I wouldn’t shy away from jumping alongside Max, nor would I shy away from him jumping in with us. I am a loyal guy and Mercedes have given me the opportunity, but I want to be a World Champion. That’s not us at the moment. But a year ago McLaren were the slowest team and now they are the quickest.
George Russell told the DailyMail.

Russell has hence pledged his loyalty to Mercedes and is confident of performing for the team no matter the teammate he has in the near future. Mercedes now head into the upcoming races in an attempt to maximise to score podiums and race wins after a winless start to the 2024 campaign.

Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton changed his mind over Ferrari switch

Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff has insisted that seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton had a change of heart regarding his decision to not continue with Mercedes. Hamilton joined the Brackley-based outfit in 2013 and has led the team to six world championships.

Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)
He said he was going to stay and then he decided to go. But people change their minds and circumstances change and you have to respect that. Today’s opinion might be different tomorrow and I have no hard feelings.
Toto Wolff spoke to the PA news agency

Mercedes has been uncompetitive since the regulation changes in 2022, with Lewis Hamilton failing to win any races since his last win at the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Ferrari, on the other hand, has been on the rise this season, winning magnificently in the Monaco Grand Prix, which provides Hamilton with the perfect poise to drive for the team in 2025.

Mercedes, under Toto Wolff is now in search of a worthy driver to fill the seat of one of their greatest drivers ever for the 2025 season. As for Lewis Hamilton, he will try to maximize his opportunities at Ferrari as he eyes a record eighth world championship title.

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