‘We believe’: George Russell explains why he could have threatened Max Verstappen in Qatar

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George Russell believes he had the pace to have beaten both McLaren’s and challenged Red Bull in Qatar.

George Russell started the race in second which he secured in Qualifying. He had his teammate line-up behind him in third but the two ended up colliding in the first corner.

Lewis Hamilton tried to go around both Russell and Max Verstappen, but clipped his Mercedes teammate in the process.

Both went spinning, but Russell was able to continue after a pit-stop. He then fought his way back through the field to secure a fourth place finish.

Without the crash, Russell believes he could have challenged the eventual winner and three time World Champion Verstappen, given the Englishman’s strong pace, we are inclined to believe him.

Russell believes he could have challenged Verstappen

Russell has been discussing the race action, as reported by MotorSport.

“I see no reason why not,” said the Mercedes man when asked if he might have threatened Verstappen. 

“We believe that we were on pace [as fast as], if not faster, than McLaren [who scored a double podium with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris].

“Seeing that Piastri finished so close to Max was really quite surprising.” 

However, despite his belief, average lap times suggest Russell was the fourth quickest, with both McLaren’s the two fastest followed by Verstappen.

What next for Mercedes

With just five races remaining, Mercedes have seen the battle for second in the constructors’ championship heat up.

In fairness, while Ferrari and Mercedes are favourites, Aston Martin and now McLaren are all within striking distance.

Next up, the Circuit of Americas on the 22nd of October for the United States GP.

A strong points haul here would rule out McLaren and Aston Martin in the race for second.