F1 News
Russell compares McLaren to Red Bull: 'You won't catch up with that any time soon'
Lining up P4 for the start of the race, George Russell has the prospect of a podium finish, perhaps even the win, in the Australian Grand Prix. At least, if it is wet, as is predicted. On a dry track, the Mercedes driver says McLaren has a huge advantage, which is not going to be made up any time soon.
Over four tenths Russell conceded to polesitter Lando Norris in Q3 of qualifying. It was a margin that had been expected by the Briton. "McLaren out front with a comfortable gap," Russell told GPblog and others. "And then I feel like this season can be anyone's game between ourselves, Red Bull and Ferrari behind them it can go either way this season, with ourselves, Red Bull and Ferrari."
"You've got surprises, like Yuki [Tsunoda]'s been very competitive dee week. The Williams has shown great signs of quali pace. But in terms of the race, that's what we're gonna see."
McLaren has advantage according to Russell
According to Russell, McLaren is also going to benefit for the longer term from the huge lead they seem to have. "They can stop developing now and go fully on '26, and it's difficult to overcome that gap," said Russell, comparing the situation to Red Bull Racing's dominant years.
"I think Red Bull, they started the season off so far ahead of everyone, but I don't think people overtook them in terms of development. I think they brought some things to the car and and went backwards. Because if you got a six tenth advantage at the start of a year, nobody finds six tenths throughout the quarter of a year. So, you know, McLaren are are in prime position for for now and the future."
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen.
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