Lando Norris thinks ‘sneaky’ George Russell is just like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

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Lando Norris is not sure who the “sneakiest” F1 driver is, as George Russell can play the game just as well as Max Verstappen can but tries to be seen as the “good guy”.

Verstappen has seen his reputation for pushing the limits of what is acceptable on the circuit reach new heights in recent years. But the Dutchman has always believed in himself, and his actions, as he always aims to flirt with the absolute limit under the wording of the rulebook.

Norris and Russell have both found themselves on the receiving end of Verstappen’s games, which have not always been punished. Norris even also found himself on the receiving end of Verstappen’s mind games in 2025 as the latter tried to mount an unlikely title comeback.

Lando Norris does not know who the ‘sneakiest’ F1 driver is out of George Russell, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

Verstappen often played down his chances of winning the F1 drivers’ championship last year and even stated in Abu Dhabi that “I have four of those at home”, referring to the trophy. He finished two points from Norris, despite once trailing Oscar Piastri in the lead by 104 points.

READ MORE: All you need to know about the 2026 F1 season, from the calendar to drivers

Yet Norris thinks Russell might actually be just as good at playing the game as Verstappen, as well as Lewis Hamilton, ahead of the quartet all bidding to win the 2026 F1 drivers’ title. The McLaren ace believes his Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari rivals are all “clever like that”.

Norris told the Daily Mail: “George always knows what he’s doing. He tries to look [like] the good guy, but he’ll do what he needs to do, in a sneaky way at times. But I think a lot of him.

“He is a very, very good driver. He’ll play the game whenever he has to play the game. I mean, he’s smart. He sometimes tries to come across like he’s not.

“I don’t know who is the sneakiest driver. George is just a smart driver. George, Max, and Lewis, as well. One is a seven-time world champion, one is Max, and George is certainly up there in terms of intelligence.

“He is always switched on, which is a strength. There is always a reason to put your car here or there, or to do this or that. They are not clumsy drivers. They are clever like that.”

George Russell has proven that he is not afraid to stand up to Max Verstappen

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Russell has proven in recent years that he is not afraid to stand up to Verstappen, with their spat at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix one of their biggest flashpoints thus far. Verstappen drew a penalty after intentionally driving into Russell in the 2025 Spanish GP in Barcelona, as well.

Mercedes driver Russell claimed Verstappen threatened to put him in the wall at the 2024 Qatar GP after clashing over the Red Bull racer’s penalty from qualifying. Verstappen felt he lost pole position in Lusail as Russell overplayed his lifting off whilst together on the circuit.

But Russell only tries to play the game, as Norris notes, when the Briton believes it is in his best interests. Now, with Mercedes expected to begin 2026 with the best car on the grid, it remains to be seen what version of Russell emerges with the F1 drivers’ title on the line.