Piastri baffled by ‘far-fetched’ Russell claim

Just one race into 2025, George Russell believes McLaren is currently in a stronger position than Red Bull was when it rewrote the record books and Oscar Piastri was surprised.

In 2023 Max Verstappen and the RB18 proved to be one of the most dominant combinations ever seen in F1 history.

Verstappen scored a new high of 10 straight Grand Prix wins, plus the most victories and podiums in a single season with 19 and 21 respectively as Red Bull won every race aside from Singapore, ensuring it set a new benchmark in the percentage of wins in a season with 95.45 percent.

READ MORE F1 NEWS IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION HERE

Despite just one race taking place in 2025 where McLaren’s Lando Norris held off Verstappen by just 0.8s, Mercedes’ third-place finisher Russell has made the bold claim that the papaya squad is in even better shape.

If it was not for a stroke of bad luck for Piastri, McLaren was set for a 1-2 finish at Albert Park as the teammates were at one point more than 15s ahead of Verstappen.

However, in the 2023 season opener, both Red Bulls were more than 20s clear of their nearest competitor at the finish.

In 2023 Verstappen was three tenths clear from the next best team in qualifying, while McLaren enjoyed a four-tenth advantage in Melbourne.

This is one of the key arguments behind Russell’s bold claim.

“I think Red Bull’s advantage (in 2023) was maybe three or four-tenths. I think the advantage we’re seeing from McLaren right now is definitely bigger than that,” he said.

“I think the gap they have on everybody this year is bigger than Red Bull has ever had.”

Aussie Piastri admits he is surprised by Russell’s statement.

“I think one of those statements is pretty far-fetched. I’ll let you decide which one!” he said.

“But no, clearly our car was very strong in Melbourne. I think there’s no denying that. I think we got to a place where it was also handling well.

“Of course, we’re racing drivers – we’re never going to have everything we want.

“George, he’s come up with some funny things in the last couple of weeks. Yeah, so we’ll see. I think, you know, it’s just one race.

“We’ll go to different tracks where we will struggle more. That’s for sure.

“So, if (George) wants to write off his season after the first weekend, then I’ll let him do that.”

The Chinese Grand Prix begins with practice at 14.30 AEDT.

Image: Peter Norton Epic Sports Photography

READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.