409 replies to this topic

[Dalton007]

 

 

That form has strengthened his position in ongoing negotiations with Mercedes, as the team looks to secure him on a new deal. According to paddock sources, Russell is expected to sign a two-year extension with an option for 2028 in an agreement believed to be worth around $30million per season.

 

 

He won't go hungry.

 

https://www.autospor...tract/10713402/

[RPM40]

Russell has probably been the driver of the year, so he is deserving of the extension completely.

 

Its amazing how 'under the radar' he seems to go in races. He never gets much focus, but he's always just there, qualifying and racing at the front. 3 podiums from 4 races in a car that at any given time has 2-6 faster cars on the grid.

[MikeTekRacing]

Russell has probably been the driver of the year, so he is deserving of the extension completely.

 

Its amazing how 'under the radar' he seems to go in races. He never gets much focus, but he's always just there, qualifying and racing at the front. 3 podiums from 4 races in a car that at any given time has 2-6 faster cars on the grid.

George and Max have both driven the wheels off their cars this year. Great to see

[Autodromo]

Russell has probably been the driver of the year, so he is deserving of the extension completely.

 

Its amazing how 'under the radar' he seems to go in races. He never gets much focus, but he's always just there, qualifying and racing at the front. 3 podiums from 4 races in a car that at any given time has 2-6 faster cars on the grid.

I think it isn't noticed because he generally finishes about where he started.  No big changes.  No big drama.  I hope he can keep it up.

[JimmyClark]

If I were a betting man, I would lay down good money on Russel not winning the WDC in 2025.

Technically if you lay him not to win, then you are betting on him winning ;)

[JimmyClark]

I think it isn't noticed because he generally finishes about where he started. No big changes. No big drama. I hope he can keep it up.

I said this last year when people criticised him for this (I know you're not though) - if he maximises the car in qualifying, or even betters it, then he can only stay in the same place at best barring misfortune in front of him. That's why I think the 'Hamilton was much better than him in races' was somewhat of a myth much of the time, certainly in 2024 anyway, as Hamilton was flattered by starting lower than he should be.

[Marklar]

I think it isn't noticed because he generally finishes about where he started.  No big changes.  No big drama.  I hope he can keep it up.

I don't agree. In 2 of the 4 races this year Antonelli's race pace looked quite similar, and this was already a area where a ageing Hamilton was at least as good even in his last season, if not better. I get there is always an element of more tyre saving or just cruising when you are not involved in a big out-of-position chase, but he was most races under pressure to be quick.

He is extremely good on saturdays (or sets up his car accordingly), quite possibly he is even the best qualifier on the grid, but on race day he continues in my opinion to lack in pace (or rather consistency in delivering that pace) compared to the very best. That Hamilton looks bad vs Leclerc in that area so far (albeit it's early days) where he was better than Russell is somewhat telling, and checks out with Kimi being more competitive than on saturdays. And it also checks out with his time at Williams. There is just too much evidence at this point.

Make no mistakes, he is after Verstappen the best driver of the season so far for me, but I think he has been also flattered. Should Kimi develop as many think (which is not a given) the narrative around his performance will very quickly shift again.

Edited by Marklar, Yesterday, 22:30.

[Ultravox]

That's probably why he doesn't have a rabid fan base, plus he loves himself too much. 

 

Lewis was more personable to the fans and some of his Silverstone drives were legendary, which has endeared him to the British public. Then there is the worldwide appeal like Lewis admiration for Senna and being one of the great drivers of all time.

 

Maybe he needs to grow a beard or something like Bottas did. Russell version 2.0 

[baddog]

There is no inherent reason. When he first started they wouldn't stop ranting about 'mister Saturday'. Last couple of years He has been in the publicity doldrums because, prior to this year he was alongside an established superstar, and this year the Max vs Mac story is dominant. Also he hasn't been in a serious championship fight yet. His position falls through the cracks a little.

 

If he becomes the main challenger (which he clearly has the ability to be), and especially if he wins one, he will be another star and centre of attention.

 

Talking about 'oh he loves himself too much' or 'he isn't fan friendly' or 'he is a bland posh English person' is all nonsense to justify why your own favs get the media time. Max isn't anyone-friendly. Lando is a strange quiet person with no discernable personality. Lewis is a bit of a nutter and self-centered as a gyroscope. Michael was an odd person in cowboy boots. Senna was arrogant to the point of thinking himself god-appointed. No-one cares about any of it if they win and win plenty.

[Boxerevo]

Russell is very deserving of a renewing.

 

F1 is car. With a superior machine like Mclaren now, he would deliver too.