Russell in Red Bull dominance claim: '10 drivers could win'

George Russell believes 10 drivers on the F1 grid would challenge for victories and titles driving for Red Bull.

Max Verstappen has dominated the campaign so far to win 10 out of 12 races and take a 125-point advantage over teammate Sergio Perez - who has won the other two events - into the second half of the season.

The Dutchman has been touted to win every remaining race given his control at the front of the pack, with Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren all seemingly unable to compete with Red Bull on a Sunday.

With no hope of victory seemingly attainable, when asked how he remained motivated by Dutch media including RacingNews365, Russell said: "I think it is exciting now we are in this fight for second position, so that gives motivation.

"I have motivation because I am teammates with Lewis and it's a challenge every single weekend.

"We have had a good battle the last 18 months and that motivates both of us.

"If you're in a position where there is not really a lot to fight for, that's when you start to lose motivation - you need those challenges to seek those rewards."

Straightforward for Verstappen

"Even for Max now, for sure he is loving it but that feeling of crossing the line for the 50th time winning with not much competition in the last 18 months and the last 20 victories he has had... maybe the last 10 victories he has had haven't been fought for, they have been pretty straightforward for him," added Mercedes driver Russell.

"Even if he starts P10, P15, it doesn't matter.

"I am sure he would love to have a victory where he made the last little difference, that is what you all chase, that is when it's the most exciting.

"There's 10 drivers you put in a Red Bull and they fight for the victory and the championship, in the same way as a Mercedes for the last years... there are 10 drivers you could put in who will be fighting for victory."