George Russell claims Max Verstappen and Red Bull might not face real title threat till 2026

Max Verstappen has been dominating F1 since winning his first championship in 2021.

George Russell claims Max Verstappen and Red Bull might not face real title threat till 2026

George Russell and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Red Bull has been under constant tussle to restore the calmness that once ensued in the team. On the other hand, the Austrian giant has been dominating on track and finishing laps ahead of the competition. Subsequently, Mercedes driver, George Russell has claimed that it would be an easy time for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to continue dominating F1 for seasons to come.

Max Verstappen has been the driver to beat ever since winning his first championship in 2021. Moreover, the Dutchman won a staggering 19 Grand Prix last year. Such stats depict the sheer might of the 26-year-old and Red Bull‘s grasp on the championship.

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Subsequently, witnessing this, George Russell has given a realistic time frame regarding when other teams would be able to catch Red Bull.

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I don't know, because at the moment, nobody is catching Red Bull either with these things in place, but we just need to focus on ourselves, and keep doing the best job possible. We need to try and bring ourselves further up the order, but also being realistic that Red Bull is a long way ahead of everybody, and it may not be until 2026 that they have a real challenge for the title.
George Russell said in an interview with RacingNews365

The Brit claimed that no team could catch Red Bull with their performance advantage in the current regulations. Despite certain one-offs, the Austrian manufacturer would continue to dominate F1 till the end of 2025 and could face a real title threat when the regulations are reset in 2026.

How can be Max Verstappen lured away from Red Bull?

The Dutchman has been on the radar of multiple F1 teams over the years due to his raw pace and ability to extract tenths out of thin air. However, with the shenanigans going on at Red Bull, it is rumored that Verstappen might be considering a move to another team. Moreover, Mercedes looks to be the best alternative for him, but there is still a long way to go.

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen
Toto Wolff [L] and Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

On the other hand, to turn these rumors into reality, F1 commentator, David Croft has stated the only requirement that Verstappen would need to move away from Red Bull.

I really don’t see Max[Verstappen] leaving, unless, and here’s the caveat, unless he knows, and how he knows, I don’t know how anyone knows, that the Mercedes engine in 2026 is going to be like in Mercedes engine in 2014.
David Croft said in an interview with PlanetF1

The 53-year-old stated that there is a pretty slim possibility for Verstappen to leave his current alliance. However, there is a caveat in this, because if Mercedes can bring an engine like in 2014, then the 26-year-old could be lured away from Red Bull and make a shocking move to Brackley for the 2026 season.

Despite the speculations, Verstappen’s move to his arch-nemesis seems to be an arrow into the dark. But no move can be ruled out as the driver market has been shaken up this season and anything is possible.

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