George Russell delivers pecking order prediction after Ferrari surprise

George Russell has stated that the teams able to introduce substantial upgrade packages first will hold an advantage in the competitive order this season.

F1 underwent a significant regulation reset this year, with changes introduced to both the power units and aerodynamic rules.

Mercedes started the campaign strongly, producing the fastest car and winning the opening six rounds.

However, its run came to an end last Sunday when Lewis Hamilton secured his maiden victory as a Ferrari driver at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

Ferrari’s step forward came after it introduced a major upgrade package in Spain, and Russell believes such developments will be a defining factor throughout the remainder of the season.

“Well, at the moment, Lewis is obviously ahead of me in the championship,” Russell told media including RacingNews365 when asked if it sees Ferrari as a title threat.

“We need to see across the course of a couple of races. 

“They did bring a big upgrade here and I think the development slope is so steep at the moment for all of the teams. 

“Whoever is going to be bringing those upgrades earliest is going to be taking a step forward.”

Mercedes is the only team to have remained a consistent threat across the opening seven rounds of the campaign.

However, it has been Russell’s team-mate Kimi Antonelli who has enjoyed the stronger season so far, with the Italian currently sitting third in the drivers’ standings.

Having bagged his first podium since China last Sunday, Russell insisted he is not altering his approach as he targets a maiden F1 title.

“We saw it with McLaren in Miami, having a really strong weekend, and then ourselves and Ferrari have taken a step forward thereafter,” he said.

“So honestly, the approach doesn’t change for me. I’m just looking to maximise my weekends. It hasn’t been the case recently and see where it takes us.”