George Russell and Lando Norris could beat Max Verstappen on the same car, claims Johny Herbert

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert reckons that George Russell and Lando Norris could provide a fight to Max Verstappen with the right cars.

George Russell and Lando Norris could beat Max Verstappen on the same car, claims Johny Herbert

George Russell, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris

Max Verstappen dominated the 2022 F1 season, with the Dutchman being the favorite for this year as well. The 25-year-old has bagged two wins so far this season as Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez won the Saudi Arabian GP. Subsequently, many believe that Max has solidified himself as a step above the rest. However, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert is convinced that the Red Bull driver can face stiff competition in the future.

Herbert picked George Russell and Lando Norris as the two main threats to Max Verstappen. Johnny pointed out that Russell has managed to match 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as a teammate at Mercedes. He stated, “George has been able to challenge him [Lewis Hamilton] and put him under a lot of pressure.” George even outscored Lewis in 2022 and took the team’s only win of the year in Brazil.

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Moreover, the 58-year-old was confident that with a competitive car, Russell could indeed pose a challenge to Max Verstappen. Johnny explained, “George is going to be tough for Max Verstappen when he gets the right car.” Additionally, Herbert reckoned that McLaren’s Lando Norris would do the same thing in such a scenario. He concluded, “I think Lando Norris is the same given the right car.”

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Max Verstappen remains the favorite for the 2023 F1 title

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Verstappen on the Australian GP podium

Heading into the 2023 F1 season, Max Verstappen was considered the favorite to win the championship. The Dutchman won a record-breaking 15 Grand Prix in 2022. The 25-year-old has lived up to expectations so far, as Verstappen has not finished lower than 2nd so far this season. Although Max suggests that a win would have been on the cards in Saudi Arabia if not for the reliability woes.

Presently, the only driver who has provided a fight to Max Verstappen is the Dutchman’s teammate, Sergio Perez. Perez managed to win the Saudi Arabian GP as the Mexican driver tries to have a shot at a maiden F1 world title. Red Bull has remained ahead of its rivals significantly this season. As such, Ferrari and Mercedes have not had the opportunity to truly match the Austrian team.

Thus, Max Verstappen remains the driver to beat in Formula 1. Johnny Herbert suggests that the Dutchman will have a tough time if George Russell and Lando Norris get the right machinery to match Red Bull’s pace. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait before a team such as Mercedes or McLaren can provide its drivers with a car that can match the mighty RB-19.

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