Russell purrs over Hamilton Verstappen battle

George Russell has been left "impressed" by Mercedes' effort to maximise performance in the race to defend its F1 championship crown from Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton enters the penultimate race of the season in Saudi Arabia just eight points adrift of Max Verstappen, while Mercedes is five points ahead of Red Bull in the constructors' standings.

At one point before the British Grand Prix the points difference between the Dutch driver and Hamilton was 33.

Yet entering the final two races, Mercedes has the momentum following back-to-back wins for the Briton.

Asked for his thoughts on the tussle, Russell replied: "It has been great to see, to be honest.

"As another driver, you appreciate what both of them are achieving in their given circumstance.

"I think they are both driving excellently and it is great to see a proper battle going on between the two and how each team has progressed throughout the season.

"Red Bull and Max probably had the upper hand at the start of the year and things have probably swayed more in Lewis' hands in recent events and how that will follow up in these final two races.

"But it always impresses me how well Mercedes manage to really fully optimise their package. Even in a year of no development, still finding these small, marginal gains which over the course of the season, resulting in some quite big progress.

"I am sure it will go down to the wire."

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