P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has urged Mercedes to take the challenge to Max Verstappen in the 2025 F1 season, conceding that “it’s time someone gave him a good fight”.
Russell won the Las Vegas Grand Prix from pole position, while Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ title that weekend. Despite Red Bull’s mid-season struggles, Verstappen clinched the championship with two races to spare. Lando Norris was the only driver with a chance to challenge Verstappen, but errors hindered his efforts. Russell believes that missed opportunities from Red Bull’s rivals prevented a closer title fight. Mercedes is on track to finish fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, their lowest rank since 2012, amidst struggles in the ground effect era. Russell is optimistic that Mercedes has the capabilities to challenge Verstappen’s dominance in 2025. He is confident in his ability to compete with Verstappen in equal machinery, citing his experience alongside Lewis Hamilton as proof.
