George Russell Claims He Could Have Been World Champion in Norris’s McLaren, Criticizes Lando for ‘Throwing Away Points’

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In a bold assertion, Mercedes driver George Russell has claimed he would have secured the Formula 1 World Championship if he had been behind the wheel of Lando Norris’s McLaren this season. The 25-year-old Brit suggested his compatriot has “thrown away a lot of points” in his duel with reigning champion Max Verstappen, adding a layer of tension to the rivalry between the two British talents.

Speaking ahead of the final races of the season, Russell hinted at the competitive advantage McLaren’s resurgence has given Norris, who has consistently challenged Red Bull’s dominance in the second half of the year. “Lando’s had a phenomenal car, probably the second-best on the grid for most of the season,” Russell said. “If I had that kind of machinery, I truly believe I could have taken the fight to Verstappen and possibly won the championship.”

Russell’s comments highlight the frustrations Mercedes has faced during a challenging season, with the Silver Arrows unable to consistently match McLaren and Red Bull’s pace. Meanwhile, Norris, despite a string of podiums, remains winless this year, fueling Russell’s critique.

“Lando’s an incredible driver, no doubt, but I think he’s left points on the table that could have made things much closer in the standings,” Russell added.

While Norris has refrained from responding directly to Russell’s remarks, he previously stated that McLaren’s mid-season upgrades allowed him to push harder but acknowledged missed opportunities in converting strong qualifying performances into victories.

Title Battle and British Rivalry Intensify

Max Verstappen, who has already clinched his third consecutive drivers’ championship, continues to dominate the headlines, but the brewing rivalry between Norris and Russell could set the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. Both drivers are seen as future world champions, and their differing approaches to the sport are drawing comparisons to past British duels, such as Hamilton vs. Button.

As McLaren looks to build on its momentum and Mercedes works on a comeback, Russell’s remarks underline the high stakes and fierce competition within Formula 1. Fans will undoubtedly watch closely to see how this rivalry unfolds both on and off the track.