George Russell sends Max Verstappen F1 title warning

George Russell has set his sights on proving himself in a fight for an F1 title and is eager to go toe-to-toe against Max Verstappen.

Russell has spent the last four seasons racing for Mercedes, - however, his arrival occurred right as the Brackley-based squad hit a slip in the pecking order.

The Briton has won five grands prix since joining Mercedes squad but has been forced to watch his peers Verstappen and Lando Norris enjoy title success.

With a major regulation overhaul coming into play next year, Mercedes has been tipped by many to commence the new era in strong fashion.

Russell is hopeful it will be his chance to consistently fight at the front.

“I definitely know I can mix it with those guys at the top,” Russell told select media including RacingNews365. “Max is obviously the gold standard at the moment.

“He’s the one that I'd want to go head-to-head with, and I think he's the only one that people would question.

“He’s the only driver on the grid that you'd want to be team-mates with to see your competitiveness.”

Russell established himself as a team leader at Mercedes following the exit of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari earlier this year.

The 27-year-old used Michael Schumacher's run of title-less years with Ferrari before breaking through at the head of the field as an example of how he is considering his own situation.

“I always remind myself of Schumacher at Ferrari that it took five years with the team before the first championship,” he said.

“People only remember the glory years but no one remembers 1996, 1997.

“It wasn’t a failure but there were no championship wins.

“And for me to finish second in the championship, or 20th in the championship, honestly it's kind of the same thing.

“You’re not winning and that has been learning for me as well, coming from Williams when I was at the back every single weekend.

“That was so frustrating, but now I'm in this position, still not fighting for a championship, it isn't really much different, if that makes sense. You're either fighting for a championship or you're not, and if you're not, no one ever wants to fight for P2.

“So I'm ready for it, but I know my time, I have to be patient.”