George Russell downplays McLaren Las Vegas threat as F1 prediction made

George Russell is not expecting McLaren to be the favourites for the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend despite its commanding F1 season.

McLaren has won 14 out of the 21 races staged so far this year and won the constructors' championship several rounds ago.

It is also closing in on the drivers' title with Lando Norris leading team-mate Oscar Piastri by 24 points, while Max Verstappen's bid looks all but lost.

With cold temperatures and low grip conditions forecast this weekend, McLaren itself has admitted it is not expecting to be on top form in Las Vegas.

In contrast, Russell's Mercedes team is being predicted to be a front-runner this weekend following its victory around the Strip Circuit in 2024.

When asked if he sees McLaren as a rival for the top positions in Las Vegas, Russell told media including RacingNews365: “Honestly, no. I don’t think so. 

“If I took Mercedes out of the equation and I were to try and guess who would win this weekend, I think this would be a circuit where McLaren would struggle more than usual. 

“When you look at their performance in Canada, it was the only time they weren't on the podium, and their performance in Baku — the only [other] time they weren't on the podium.

“This circuit has some similar characteristics to those tracks: the coldness, type of tarmac, the C5 tyre. And obviously low downforce — Baku is the same as Las Vegas.”

Russell expects Red Bull to be fighting for the top positions once again but highlighted the importance that qualifying can have on the race weekend.

“But, you know, there are always these surprises,” Russell said.

“I think it's so close in Q3 now between so many teams. 

“If you can do a magic lap and you can start on pole position, your whole weekend changes.

“So they'll be there or thereabouts, but I think Red Bull probably has a better chance.”