George Russell addresses overlooked status in Max Verstappen, Lando Norris F1 title equation

George Russell has dismissed the notion he is bothered by not being touted as an F1 drivers' championship protagonist.

The British driver has claimed three podium finishes to start the year and sits fourth in the title fight, 14 points adrift of Lando Norris out front.

However, his name is often omitted from discussions about which drivers' are ultimately in the running for this campaign's crown, with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen more regularly talked up as contenders.

When asked whether he felt he was not being rightly taken into consideration, the three-time grand prix winner's response underlined how unperturbed he is by being overlooked.

Insisting all he can do his perform to his limit, Russell highlighted that Mercedes' lack of championship pedigree in recent years makes it natural to not be included in such conversations.

"Ultimately, from my side, I’m just going in every single weekend trying to perform to the maximum," he told media including RacingNews365. 

"These last three years as well, alongside Lewis [Hamilton] – his name was always there with championships because he’s the GOAT [greatest of all time].

"But the last three years, neither of our names were there because we weren’t in the position to fight.

"Look, this season it’s been a great start to the year. I don’t think we could have achieved a better result than we expected, and I hope we can continue this sort of run of consistency. But we know realistically the McLarens are exceptionally strong, and I think it’s going to be challenging for anybody else to compete with them.

"But, we saw last year how dominant Red Bull were, and suddenly they weren’t at the end of the season. So yeah, things change quickly."

Russell: 'I'm not looking for external recognition'

Having somewhat sidestepped the first question on if he should be considered a championship challenger, Russell was asked more directly whether he was annoyed about being overlooked.

Although, again, the Briton showed himself to be unfazed by it, stressing that he does not need the "external recognition" of being earmarked as a title fighter.

"I mean, not really, to be honest..." he replied. "I’m a Formula 1 driver living my dream. It’s not what the perception is - it’s what the reality is. The reality is if we’re going to fight for a championship this year, we need to improve.

"This year has been a great start to the season. But the same way the last three seasons have been, I feel that I’ve personally performed very well.

"I’ve had one of the strongest teammates ever. I’m not looking for external recognition. I’m just looking to go racing every single weekend, perform, and doing my job."