580 replies to this topic

[Dalton007]

Quote

 

 

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]

RPM40, on 14 Apr 2025 - 21:24, said:

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]

RPM40, on 14 Apr 2025 - 21:24, said:

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]

KWSN - DSM, on 14 Apr 2025 - 19:54, said:

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]

Autodromo, on 14 Apr 2025 - 21:31, said:

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]

Autodromo, on 14 Apr 2025 - 21:31, said:

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, 14 April 2025 - 22:30.

[Ultravox]

Dalton007, on 14 Apr 2025 - 12:13, said:

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.

[Dalton007]

Marklar, on 14 Apr 2025 - 22:25, said:

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.

 

The car isn't good enough to be on the pace of the McLarens, yet he can race it to be a hindrance to them. I'm not sure how he can do much more than he is already doing. He is currently beating his fast team-mate, which is to be expected.

 

I think he has improved his race pace, taking his qualifying form into race day and being able to hold his position instead of going back and meeting his team-mate. The car seems more predictable now and easier to set up in the window.

[Dalton007]

baddog, on 14 Apr 2025 - 22:39, said:

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.

 

 

True.

 

Nigel Mansell's personality was dubbed boring by the critics for most of his racing career, but his on-track bravery won the fans over and no one cared about his personality.

Edited by Dalton007, 15 April 2025 - 14:58.

[Claudius]

Dalton007, on 15 Apr 2025 - 13:40, said:

True.

 

Nigel Mansell was dubbed boring for most of his racing career, but his on-track bravery won the fans over and no one cared about his personality.

 

So true. One of the bravest and most interesting racers I¨ve seen.

[Pieter]

baddog, on 14 Apr 2025 - 22:39, said:

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.

 

Wouldn't that qualify him as a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador?

 

And with him being British perhaps INEOS would like to pay a large part of that $30 Million per season the Autosport article mentions.

[Dalton007]

Quote

 

"Why wouldn't they want to sign Max? It's totally understandable," Russell told PA ahead of this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports.

"He's the best at the moment. He's a four-time world champion. That's not anything against me or Kimi [Antonelli]. There's two drivers for every team and he is one person.

"So that doesn't concern me one bit because the performance is my currency, and right now I think I am performing as good as anyone on this grid."

 

https://www.skysport...-george-russell

[garoidb]

baddog, on 14 Apr 2025 - 22:39, said:

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.

 

You forgot Nigel!

[AlexPrime]

Eh, not impressed. Car looks miles behind Macca.

[baddog]

garoidb, on 18 Apr 2025 - 15:12, said:

You forgot Nigel!

I have done my best to yes.

 

/bit untrue, I kind of loved the old fool back in the day.

[mclara]

Another good performance by GR in the 3rd fastest car. Not much more to say 

Edited by mclara, 19 April 2025 - 18:37.

[Disgrace]

Russell appears to be firing on all cylinders and Antonelli in the grand scheme of things isn't that far behind. They might be just fine without hiring Max after all.

[MortenF1]

Did I hear that right, that Antonelli said he lost three tenths on the first two corners with a mistake?
Hmm. He’s got serious pace 👍
Russell with another great qualifying session.

[krea]

Disgrace, on 19 Apr 2025 - 18:45, said:

Russell appears to be firing on all cylinders and Antonelli in the grand scheme of things isn't that far behind. They might be just fine without hiring Max after all.

Not necessarily what Wolff is thinking because it would only take a driver which pushes the car a little more to make them a real contender for both titles

[Dalton007]

krea, on 19 Apr 2025 - 19:51, said:

Not necessarily what Wolff is thinking because it would only take a driver which pushes the car a little more to make them a real contender for both titles

 

Perhaps, but pushing for that extra tenth can land you in the wall. Since George is very good in qualifying, I can only think that LeClerc and Max could produce that extra tenth. 

[AlexPrime]

Temperature gets down, Merc gets faster. But what will they do in the summer?

[mclara]

AlexPrime, on 19 Apr 2025 - 20:35, said:

Temperature gets down, Merc gets faster. But what will they do in the summer?

So does everyone else relativ to the mclarens. People are putting too much emphasis on the gaps during practice sessions

[Dalton007]

I think the Merc is very capable of winning races, but at the moment George or Kimi has to qualify pole position on a track where it's difficult for their competitors to pass.

Edited by Dalton007, 20 April 2025 - 08:30.

[mclara]

https://x.com/Merced...on^s1_&ref_url=

[Dalton007]

mclara, on 20 Apr 2025 - 13:19, said:

https://x.com/Merced...on^s1_&ref_url=

 

Tyres over heated by the time George got to the last corner, perhaps?

[P123]

Dalton007, on 20 Apr 2025 - 08:30, said:

I think the Merc is very capable of winning races, but at the moment George or Kimi has to qualify pole position on a track where it's difficult for their competitors to pass.

 

To be sure of that they probably need another tenth or two to catch up to McLaren. 

[mclara]

Absolutely no pace compared to the RB and mclarens. Good we didn’t believe the hype about the RB is the 4th fastest car…

[Dalton007]

George's tyres fell off the cliff. 

 

Kimi did well - he's looking very good. 

 

Hopefully they can add bits to the car so it's easier on the tyres for better tyre durability.

[Claudius]

Kimi keeps collecting points like a veteran. It´s a good sign this early in his career.

[Konsta]

Dalton007, on 20 Apr 2025 - 18:36, said:

George's tyres fell off the cliff.

Kimi did well - he's looking very good.

Hopefully they can add bits to the car so it's easier on the tyres for better tyre durability.

The youngster did well. George the worst driver of the day equipment corrected. Kimi A exposing him?

[Dalton007]

Konsta, on 20 Apr 2025 - 19:17, said:

The youngster did well. George the worst driver of the day equipment corrected. Kimi A exposing him?

 

Kimi was able to keep the hard tyres in better shape today. 

[renzmann]

mclara, on 20 Apr 2025 - 17:44, said:

Absolutely no pace compared to the RB and mclarens. Good we didn’t believe the hype about the RB is the 4th fastest car…

They were on some circuits. RBR clearly were near McLaren this weekend, and Merc was 4th fastest. Tough race for Russell, not a chance to shine.

[Muppetmad]

Russell was clearly stronger on the mediums, while Antonelli was clearly stronger on the hards. This was the first race of the season where it felt like Russell was a step down from his best, but it's hard to begrudge him this, because it happens to everyone once in a while.

[BRG]

Konsta, on 20 Apr 2025 - 19:17, said:

The youngster did well. George the worst driver of the day equipment corrected. Kimi A exposing him?

WTF?   Equipment corrected?  If you go down that route, then Hamilton was probably the worst driver of the day.  And how you can say that Andrea is "exposing" George when he has been slower than him all through the event   !

 

Andrea is doing very well indeed, but let's keep his elevation to superstardom until he has actually earned it.

[mclara]

Muppetmad, on 21 Apr 2025 - 06:21, said:

Russell was clearly stronger on the mediums, while Antonelli was clearly stronger on the hards. This was the first race of the season where it felt like Russell was a step down from his best, but it's hard to begrudge him this, because it happens to everyone once in a while.

looked like Mercedes prioritised Q over race pace this weekend. Or the car just dont like this kind of track. Still missing rear downforce 

[P123]

Dalton007, on 20 Apr 2025 - 19:56, said:

Kimi was able to keep the hard tyres in better shape today. 

 

Sounded like Russell had a very specific issue with one of his tyres.

 

AKA was impressive at the end of the race- green sectors, green laps when he was being hunted down.  A good sign. 

[Dalton007]

According to George, they didn't do much long running. The hard tyres overheated because he was trying to catch the front runners. 

[Konsta]

BRG, on 21 Apr 2025 - 08:34, said:

WTF?   Equipment corrected?  If you go down that route, then Hamilton was probably the worst driver of the day.  And how you can say that Andrea is "exposing" George when he has been slower than him all through the event   !

 

Andrea is doing very well indeed, but let's keep his elevation to superstardom until he has actually earned it.

George has acted and behaved like a 5-time WDC from get-go without having pretty much anything to back that entitlement up. How about earning...

You're right, Lewis was probably even worse but still - a rookie drove more maturely than George despite ending just behind him.

[krea]

Konsta, on 21 Apr 2025 - 16:03, said:

George has acted and behaved like a 5-time WDC from get-go without having pretty much anything to back that entitlement up. How about earning...

You're right, Lewis was probably even worse but still - a rookie drove more maturely than George despite ending just behind him.

 

That's a take devoid of anything factual. 

[JimmyClark]

Konsta, on 21 Apr 2025 - 16:03, said:

George has acted and behaved like a 5-time WDC from get-go without having pretty much anything to back that entitlement up. How about earning...
You're right, Lewis was probably even worse but still - a rookie drove more maturely than George despite ending just behind him.

Why do you think he acts entitled more than anybody else? He's a racing driver, they all have huge belief in themselves.

[MikeTekRacing]

Konsta, on 21 Apr 2025 - 16:03, said:

George has acted and behaved like a 5-time WDC from get-go without having pretty much anything to back that entitlement up. How about earning...
You're right, Lewis was probably even worse but still - a rookie drove more maturely than George despite ending just behind him.

What are you talking about?
George is so far easily beating his team mate after beating Lewis last year.

[PayasYouRace]

I’d have used the phrase “acted and behaved like a 5-time WDC” as a pretty big complement to George as a summary of his career so far. For most of it, he’s driven like one too. He’s just lacked the car to deliver them.

[mclara]

just throwing it out here:

 

https://www.threads....-to-have-a-top-

 

Your weekly reminder that George Russell is still the only driver to have a top 5 result in every competitive session in 2025.

[Konsta]

PayasYouRace, on 23 Apr 2025 - 13:53, said:

I’d have used the phrase “acted and behaved like a 5-time WDC” as a pretty big complement to George as a summary of his career so far. For most of it, he’s driven like one too. He’s just lacked the car to deliver them.

And I would prefer if a racer had the notches to back his talk up. Yes, every one of the F1 grid is a top-tier driver but sense of entitlement is very off-putting. McL drivers are good examples of letting their driving do the talking.

[DW46]

Konsta, on 23 Apr 2025 - 17:59, said:

McL drivers are good examples of letting their driving do the talking.

😂😂 one of them is.

[JimmyClark]

Konsta, on 23 Apr 2025 - 17:59, said:

And I would prefer if a racer had the notches to back his talk up. Yes, every one of the F1 grid is a top-tier driver but sense of entitlement is very off-putting. McL drivers are good examples of letting their driving do the talking.

I still don't understand why you think he has "this sense of entitlement"? I presume it's because he didn't roll over for his teammate from 2022 to 2024. But why should he when he was faster for much of the time? Or is it because he's well-spoken and has an air of confidence? He can't help that either.

His pre F1 record is one of the best of all the drivers, and his f1 record is similar if you look at his equipment.

He's earned any kind of "entitlement" he has. Or do you think Stirling Moss shouldn't be regarded as one of the best as he doesn't have the "notches"?

[PayasYouRace]

Konsta, on 23 Apr 2025 - 17:59, said:

And I would prefer if a racer had the notches to back his talk up. Yes, every one of the F1 grid is a top-tier driver but sense of entitlement is very off-putting. McL drivers are good examples of letting their driving do the talking.

Does he not have the notches? He’s backing up whatever attitude problem you think he has with consistent strong results on the track, and has been doing so for years now.