Mercedes driver George Russell believes McLaren is currently more dominant in Formula 1 than Red Bull was during their dominant 2023 season.
McLaren`s Lando Norris won the Australian Grand Prix, confirming their pre-season favorite status. A one-two finish was likely, but Oscar Piastri spun out in the rain.
Russell had predicted Red Bull would win every race in 2023, and they nearly did, winning 21 of 22 races.
Russell stated McLaren`s car is capable of winning every race this year, but he doubts they actually will.
Max Verstappen broke records in 2023, winning his third of four titles. Russell implies Norris and Piastri may not be as consistently dominant as Verstappen.
Russell got a podium in Australia due to Piastri`s spin, and his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished fourth.
Russell explains McLaren`s advantage is larger than Red Bull`s was, but Verstappen was incredibly consistent in 2023. He hopes Mercedes can capitalize on any McLaren slip-ups, like in Melbourne where McLaren should have had a one-two.
Piastri Responds to Russell`s Comments
Russell previously suggested McLaren is so ahead they could focus on their 2026 car development.
Piastri, responding after Russell`s comments, called them “farfetched.”
Piastri doubts Russell`s seriousness, acknowledging McLaren`s strong car but believing others can catch up.
Piastri jokingly remarks about Russell`s recent statements.
Piastri emphasizes it`s only one race, Melbourne is a track McLaren performs well at, and they expect struggles at other tracks. He dismisses Russell`s negativity, seeing Melbourne as an exception, not the norm.
Verstappen: McLaren Strong, Comparison Difficult
Verstappen had a record-breaking 2023, winning 19 races and setting a win percentage record.
Verstappen, also asked about Russell`s comments, agreed McLaren is ahead but avoided direct comparison to Red Bull`s dominance.
Verstappen says it`s hard to compare dominance without driving both cars. He acknowledges McLaren`s strength, speed, and well-rounded performance, but quantifying their gap is difficult.
Marcus Prine