Mercedes F1 star SLAMS fellow Brit in astonishing Max Verstappen championship challenge

George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Silverstone, British GP, 2023 — Photo: © IMAGO

Mercedes

Mercedes star SLAMS fellow Brit in astonishing Verstappen championship challenge

A Mercedes star has made a bold championship claim

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:55 Updated: 18:01

A Mercedes star has slammed their fellow Brit in an astonishing Max Verstappen championship challenge for 2025.

The Dutchman became a four-time world champion under the bright lights of Las Vegas last weekend, where he beat title rival Lando Norris after he finished above the Brit in P5.

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McLaren’s championship challenge to Verstappen came later in the season than they would have hoped, with the team chasing down the champion since Norris’ Miami GP victory.

Despite Red Bull’s decline in performance, their rivals failed to capitalise on their errors as Verstappen remained consistent enough to maintain his lead ahead of Norris in the drivers’ standings.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen's rivalry often resulted in on track controversy

Max Verstappen claimed his fourth world title in Las Vegas

George Russell slams Lando Norris for Max Verstappen title fight

While Norris and McLaren will regroup and focus on their 2025 title bid, the 25-year-old will undoubtedly reflect on missed opportunities over the course of the season.

However, the Brit has now been slammed by Mercedes star George Russell, who claims the championship fight should have gone down to the wire.

George Russell believes he can win the 2025 world title

Russell emerged victorious at the Las Vegas GP, and appeared energised in a post-race interview as he claimed he wants to take the fight to Verstappen next season.

"I just want to make sure we get in that fight now because it’s about time somebody gave him a proper fight," he said to Viaplay. "That’s my plan, that’s what I want to do.

"He’s a fierce competitor and Red Bull are doing amazing but this championship probably should’ve gone down to the wire.

"You could argue that Max probably wasn’t the favourite at one point and yet he wins it with races to go.

"So we need to get our stuff together to make it a bit more challenging."

Max Verstappen Mercedes McLaren Lando Norris