Mercedes star SLAMS fellow Brit in astonishing Verstappen championship chall…read more
Mercedes driver George Russell has publicly criticized fellow Briton Lando Norris in the wake of Max Verstappen’s fourth Formula 1 world championship win. The Dutch driver secured the 2024 title under the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing well ahead of Norris, who ended the race in P5. Despite Norris’ commendable efforts throughout the season, Russell believes McLaren’s title bid lacked the resilience needed to truly challenge Verstappen.
This year, McLaren emerged as the most prominent rival to Red Bull Racing, but their championship challenge developed later than expected. Norris’ victory at the Miami Grand Prix sparked hopes of a serious fight for the title, but Verstappen’s consistency proved unshakeable. Even as Red Bull experienced a noticeable dip in performance during the latter half of the season, their rivals, including McLaren, failed to fully exploit the team’s vulnerabilities.
Russell, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Norris’ campaign. Speaking candidly after the season’s conclusion, the Mercedes driver argued that the championship battle should have been much closer and potentially decided at the final race. “Lando had the car and the momentum at critical points of the season, but they didn’t maximize their opportunities,” Russell remarked. “If you’re serious about taking down someone like Max, you need to be relentless.”
The McLaren driver, who has been steadily improving over the years, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, winning multiple races and securing podiums. However, key mistakes and missed chances ultimately allowed Verstappen to maintain his edge. Norris’ Miami triumph raised expectations, but McLaren’s inability to consistently challenge Red Bull left fans and analysts questioning their execution in high-pressure situations.
As the season wraps up, McLaren and Norris are already looking ahead to 2025, determined to mount a stronger campaign. Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledged areas of improvement, particularly in race strategy and adapting to changing conditions. Meanwhile, Norris has admitted that reflecting on his performance will be crucial as he aims to refine his approach for the upcoming season.
Despite Russell’s criticism, there is no denying that Norris has solidified his status as one of F1’s brightest stars. With McLaren’s upward trajectory and Red Bull showing signs of vulnerability, the stage is set for an even more competitive fight in 2025. However, both McLaren and Norris will need to eliminate errors if they hope to dethrone Verstappen and satisfy critics like Russell.
