George Russell’s bold declaration rejected as brutal Max Verstappen reality made clear | F1 | Sport

George Russell is not yet ready to become an F1 world champion, according to a poll of Express Sport readers. The 27-year-old has regularly declared himself to be prepared for the fight this season and has even welcomed the battle from the reigning series champion, Max Verstappen.

Russell’s confidence is well-placed. During his three years alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, he matched the legendary Brit stride for stride, and following the 40-year-old’s unexpected move to Ferrari, he has stepped up to become the de facto team leader at Brackley.

This season, Russell has secured two victories and an additional six podium finishes, placing him just 63 points behind Verstappen in the standings. The Norfolk-born racer has registered 258 of Mercedes’ 355 points, spearheading their bid for second in the Constructors’ Championship standings.

Russell now believes he is ready to take the next step. «I’m a very different driver today to the one I was a couple of years ago,» he declared after winning in Singapore last month. «And I feel more complete, more confident.

“I know exactly what I need to do in given circumstances. Of course, I was nervous before the race, as you’d expect, but I didn’t feel any additional nerves or any additional pressure.

“It just felt like another race, and I knew I had a chance to win, and I felt comfortable with that. I’ve said it for a while – I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to take it to my next step.»

However, according to Express Sport readers, Russell might be getting overconfident. In a survey of 3,800, only 44 per cent believed that the Brit is ready to contend for his maiden World Championship title, with 56 per cent considering the current moment as too soon for a silverware charge.

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Russell’s task will become exponentially more difficult should Verstappen join the Silver Arrows in 2027, too. The reigning world champion has been heavily linked with a move away from Red Bull, but opted to stay put for 2026 to survey the pecking order after the new technical regulations come into effect.

“You don’t need to be best mates as team-mates,” he told The Telegraph in Mexico City, when asked about becoming team-mates with the Dutchman. “Senna and Prost weren’t good friends, and they still finished one-two. Lewis and Nico, one-two.

“Obviously, Lewis and Fernando is a notable exception. But Lewis should have won that year [in 2007]. So yeah, Max is an incredible driver. There’s no denying that. But that’s why I would relish going up against him. We all believe we’re the best.”