GEORGE Russell, Wednesday (6/3), emphasized that he was ready to compete with Max Verstappen as a teammate at the Mercedes team if the Formula 1 world champion decided to leave the Red Bull team to fill the position left by Lewis Hamilton.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP this weekend, Russell admitted he was optimistic he could face the challenge from Verstappen after previously pairing up with the best driver of all time, Hamilton.
“This is my third season with Lewis, the best racer of all time and I think I have done quite well. So, I am ready to face a new challenge. Having Lewis as a standard for the last few years has been extraordinary,” said Russell.
Russell added that all teams would be competing to sign Verstappen, whose future with Red Bull was in question after his father, Joss, said Red Bull would be at a disadvantage if Christian Horner stayed.
AFP/JOSEPH EID—Red Bull driver Max Verstappen
“I think every team wants to get the best racer and currently Max is the best racer. So, every team that has the opportunity to bring in Max will try 100% to get him,” said Russell.
“So, I think, the ball is in Red Bull’s court. Certainly, they have a lot going on. We don’t know what’s going on behind the doors and it’s none of our business either.”
“You always want to fight the best but in the end I want to focus on myself. I believe I can beat anyone,” he stressed. (AFP/Z-1)
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