While everyone’s focused on the McLaren battle up front, George Russell is putting up quite a drive for Max Verstappen’s P3 in the F1 Drivers’ Championship. The two experienced drivers have been exchanging wins and sharing podium celebrations this 2025 season. With Red Bull Racing’s performance issues and Mercedes’ unexpected consistency and reliability, the battle for third place is tight.
The Championship standings after the F1 Singapore GP officially put Russell at a 36-point deficit from Verstappen. Looking at their individual performances this season, both drivers have a great chance of turning the outcome in their favour. With six rounds left in the calendar, will Max Verstappen be able to keep the gap in place, or will George Russell round up the Championship podium?
Russell’s steady climb up the ranks
Ever since the beginning of the 2025 season, the Mercedes driver has been on a streak of podium finishes. Despite some rare instances, George Russell managed to add points to his tally every race. Every time Verstappen was struggling, Russell was there to capitalise on it. In total, he has 2 GP wins and 8 podiums.
The car’s performance is notable when exploring the possible F1 Drivers’ Championship battle for P3 between Russell and Verstappen. This season, Mercedes has done an incredible job giving their drivers consistency. Even during the F1 Singapore GP, a race where Mercedes has underperformed in the past.
This reliable machinery allowed George Russell the option of pushing flat out every race. And his efforts are noticeable. The 22-year-old only finished out of the top 10 once this year. For most of his races, Russell was never out of the top 5, except for 3 out of the 18 GPs. In comparison to past seasons, his drive is more constant, and he has avoided collecting any DNFs or DSQs.
“I think it comes with experience, just knowing how to maximise every situation. Probably a couple of years ago, I was driving a bit more tense and probably over-pushing in circumstances when I shouldn’t have been. Now I just feel much more relaxed.”
The palpable changes in Russell’s racing
The F1 Singapore GP became an obvious milestone for the Briton in terms of performance. After coming into the race weekend with a difficult Friday, Russell did not let those conflicting thoughts hinder his focus from the Qualifying. When it mattered most, he performed and made the most of every sector.
George Russell flew away from the race start, even managing to keep Verstappen on Softs behind. An evident change from the last seasons, where the pressure would have a great effect on the Mercedes driver. However, this was not the case. Even he recognises the changes he went through over the years, and the experience those past mistakes earned him:
“I mean, this track has not been my best friend over the years. And that’s often been through my own doing. But as I said, yes, I’m a very different driver today to the one I was a couple of years ago. And I feel more complete, more confident. I know exactly what I need to do in given circumstances.”
In the same response from the post-race press conference, Russell spoke of the confidence he had in himself. While McLaren had the superior car, the 27-year-old believes he could be a good contender for the title. This drive is why Russell should be taken into account for a possible battle with Verstappen for the P3 in the Championship:
“[…] It just felt like another race, and I knew I had a chance to win, and I felt comfortable with that. So, you know, I’ve said it for a while — I feel ready to fight for a championship. I feel ready to take it to my next step.”
Verstappen’s stormy relationship with the RB21
On the other side of this Verstappen vs Russell battle in the F1 Championship, the four-time world champion has experience with pressure. This time, however, he will have to defend his position in P3. Yet, Max Verstappen will require a car he can rely on. And when it comes to machinery issues this season, the Red Bull driver had plenty.
Coming into 2025, planning to defend his title for another year, the Dutchman had the disappointing realisation that his RB21 could not compete with the McLarens up ahead. Left to the harsh realisation that this year, he might lose the title of champion, Verstappen shifted his focus to maximising his performance.
Despite the RB21’s unsteady balance, the 28-year-old managed to collect 4 GP wins and 9 podiums. His biggest drawback has been the car. Verstappen went from a season such as 2023, where his RB was the fastest car on the grid, to 2025, where he is struggling to keep up with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Moreover, the Dutchman did not finish the F1 Austrian GP, alongside 3 other results out of the top 5.
Even now, after 18 rounds, the RB21 is not to Verstappen’s preference. His complaints remained much the same after his P2 finish at the F1 Singapore GP — issues with the shifting and balance. There have been improvements to the car’s overall performance since Laurent Mekies took over as TP. Still, it is uncertain if Red Bull can catch up with the other teams:
“I think over the last few races we’ve definitely improved a lot. A few things that we have done throughout the weekend. That’s what we have to probably look at again for the coming races. But it’s nothing shocking. Or that we are lost about why maybe some pace has disappeared compared to what we would have liked.”
The Dutchman’s track record
Winning a championship is no easy feat, and Red Bull driver has four of those under his belt. In terms of overall experience, Russell is at a disadvantage in his battle with Verstappen for the third spot in the F1 Championship ranking. The Dutchman has more years behind an F1 car’s wheel, and his track record classifies him as an imposing opponent.
Compared to the Briton, Max Verstappen is more eager to try unimaginable overtakes. His confidence and skill allow him to look for that gap and push to get it. However, this driving style cost him on multiple occasions throughout his career. And while his previous on-track battles with Russell ended with the Mercedes driver conceding, this season proved the opposite.
Can Russell overtake Verstappen in the ranking?
Looking at this battle from a car standpoint, Mercedes had a clear advantage this season. George Russell drives the more reliable car, evident from the Constructor’s Championship as well. The Silver Arrows team has the machinery to challenge Red Bull in 2025. Meanwhile, the RB21 will require more work before being able to match the other team’s performance.
Nevertheless, this Verstappen-Russell battle for P3 in the F1 Drivers’ Championship will come down to their skill and consistency. The Dutchman made it clear that his focus is not on winning the title anymore, which allows him to ease up on the pressure. This will help him avoid any major mistakes made under stress.
George Russell is chasing his greatest result yet in his F1 career. He will be driving to win and to prove himself, especially since there is no update about his contract with Mercedes. However, the Briton seems more relaxed and focused compared to his past seasons. Both drivers will have plenty of time to either build that gap or reduce it.
