Schumacher hands Russell scathing criticism

George Russell's performance at the Japanese Grand Prix has generated criticism from former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.

Russell commenced the 2025 campaign in strong fashion as he scored a duo of podium finishes in Australia and China.

However, a mistake during his Q3 lap from Suzuka saw him eliminated from pole position contention as he was forced to settle for fifth on the grid.

Russell remained in that position until the chequered flag - however Schumacher asserted his result could have been much greater with an error-free qualifying outing. 

“Russell, whom we've often described, has great potential,” Schumacher told Backstage Boxengasse.

“He also has the speed, but simply made a mistake. You have to look at it this way. 

“In qualifying in the first sector, he already threw it away, and with it the chance of pole position and the chance to win the race. The car was there.”

Russell's contract expires at the end of the current season, leaving his future with Mercedes in the air as it stands.

Schumacher suggested Russell's performance in Japan does not warrant an extension with the team.

"Kimi Antonelli is still too early [to judge], but then you see the pace in the race, he was in traffic, but Antonelli did a great job relative to that, and in my opinion, Russell shouldn't be allowed to stay like that,” he said.

“He has to do more, because that's what makes a world champion in the end. 

“Look at Max Verstappen, who then simply brings home a thing like that without making any mistakes. And he makes the car even better and doesn't make any mistakes.