George Russell reveals shock at joint Max Verstappen title threat

George Russell has revealed his shock at how he and Max Verstappen are still within touching distance of McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the F1 drivers' title fight.

Verstappen sits third in the standings, 43 points adrift of Piastri, whilst Russell is 62 points behind the Australian. 

Russell reduced his deficit to Piastri after comfortably winning the Canadian Grand Prix, ahead of Verstappen and teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli.

The Briton's pursuit of the McLaren drivers in the title race was helped by Lando Norris retiring at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after causing an intra-team collision with Piastri. 

It marked the first occasion where the McLaren duo were involved in the same incident, with Russell outlining its importance should he become world champion. 

In the King's Lynn-born driver's eyes, McLaren's pace is too strong for him and Verstappen to compete with; however, Norris and Piastri clashing more often could open a door of opportunity.

"I mean, to be honest, I don't really know how Max and I are so close to those two because they clearly have the most dominant car," Russell told the media in the post-race press conference, before turning to look at Verstappen.

"I think the two of us have been very consistent and getting the maximum result from our packages week in, week out. But I can't imagine them continuing to throw away points in the manner they're doing. 

"Of course, we hope that continues to be the case, but I don't foresee us getting in the championship fight through pure pace as Lando did last year. 

"We'll only be there if results like [Canada] continue or things like [Canada] continue to happen."