25-year-old F1 driver admits the drivers’ championship has been a ‘complete disaster’

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Mercedes driver George Russell has admitted that the Drivers’ Championship has been a total disaster this season.

Russell was speaking after an ultimately frustrating Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Red Bull Racing wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship despite Sergio Perez having a terrible race.

The Mexican couldn’t stop making contact with other drivers and eventually retired after effecting ending Kevin Magnussen’s chance of scoring points by spinning the Dane.

His teammate Max Verstappen unsurprisingly returned to winning ways and could win his third straight title in Qatar.

The race behind was what was always going to create the most excitement and McLaren delivered.

A maiden podium for Oscar Piastri was the highlight but Lando Norris recording back-to-back second-place finishes is undeniably impressive.

It means Norris has gone level on points with George Russell in the Drivers’ Championship, much to the disappointment of the Mercedes driver.

He’s not had the best luck throughout the season and had to take some risks that ultimately haven’t paid off.

Mercedes star Russell talks about disaster Drivers’ Championship

Speaking about the alternative strategy he had to use today, Russell said: “When you’re in the car and 48 laps in, you’re giving it everything and you’re making a sub-optimal strategy to try and work. That radio is a vent to release some frustration.

“Overtaking was difficult. You saw Piastri with much fresher tyres and a much faster car this weekend, he didn’t fly by. It took him two laps.

“For me the goal is to secure P2 in the constructors’. On my personal side, the drivers’ championship is totally out of the window. It’s been a complete disaster of a season, so many missed chances.

“Lewis is in a really good position for P3. Standing here now, it’s all good.”

Russell won his first F1 race at the end of last season and would have hoped to have kicked on this season.

And although it’s not been a perfect season for Russell, it’s slightly over the top to say that the championship has been a disaster for the Mercedes driver.

He would have wanted to get closer to Lewis Hamilton’s points total and still has time to at least challenge the two Ferraris.

His close friend Lando Norris will be more determined than ever to finish about the Brit.

The way that McLarens are going right now, they may be aiming even higher up the table.