George Russell Declares Max Verstappen ‘Shouldn’t Have Won’ 2024 F1 Title
In a bold statement that has reignited tensions in the Formula 1 paddock, Mercedes driver George Russell has declared that reigning champion Max Verstappen should not have won the 2024 F1 Drivers’ Championship. Russell’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing rivalry between the two drivers, hinting at what could be an intense 2025 season.
The 25-year-old Brit expressed his opinion that Verstappen’s victory came more as a result of his rivals’ missteps rather than his own dominance. Speaking to The Times, Russell stated, “Arguably, Max shouldn’t have won the championship this year, but the others made a few more errors and didn’t capitalize when they had the chance.”
While Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship with a nine-race victory streak, Russell suggested that the Red Bull driver’s triumph wasn’t inevitable. According to the Mercedes driver, the Dutchman’s rivals—including himself and his teammate Lewis Hamilton—missed critical opportunities to challenge Verstappen’s dominance.
Russell’s remarks come at a time when his own season saw mixed results. Despite showing flashes of brilliance with two race victories, the Brit was unable to consistently challenge Verstappen’s supremacy on the track. This contrast highlights the enormous gulf in performance between Red Bull and their closest competitors, Mercedes and Ferrari, throughout the 2024 season.
This isn’t the first time Russell has taken aim at Verstappen. The two drivers have clashed both on and off the track in recent years, building an intense rivalry that often spills into public comments. Verstappen, known for his unapologetic approach, is unlikely to take these latest remarks lightly, especially as he basks in the glory of another championship win.
Russell’s critique also underscores the immense pressure on Red Bull’s rivals to close the performance gap in 2025. With Verstappen proving nearly untouchable in the RB20, teams like Mercedes will need to innovate and execute flawlessly to mount a credible challenge next year.
Despite the challenges of 2024, Russell remains optimistic about his future. Speaking to The Times, he expressed confidence in his ability to fight for the championship next season. “I feel absolutely ready to take my journey to the next level, and I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to fight against Max Verstappen, and if we get the opportunities, I’m not going to waste it,” he said.
Russell’s confidence signals his determination to elevate his performance and compete head-to-head with Verstappen in 2025. With Mercedes making strides in car development, the Briton could emerge as a serious contender for the title next year.
As the 2024 F1 season comes to a close, Russell’s remarks set the stage for an electrifying 2025 campaign. With tensions high and rivalries heating up, fans can expect a fierce battle between Verstappen and Russell, along with other challengers like Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris.
Whether Russell’s prediction about Verstappen’s championship reign proves to be prophetic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight for F1 supremacy is far from over. As the teams prepare for the next season, the world will be watching to see if Russell can back up his bold claims and dethrone the reigning champion
