Two consecutive wins have shaken up the hierarchy in F1. George Russell now acknowledges McLaren’s superiority, while also fearing Ferrari at Monza.
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Mercedes had long been the absolute benchmark this season, but George Russell admits that the situation has changed. After the two consecutive wins of Lando Norris in Hungary and the Netherlands, the Briton now considers McLaren as the team to beat in Formula 1.
The progress of the Woking team has been spectacular since the introduction of a major upgrade package at the Hungaroring. McLaren further enhanced it with new parts at Zandvoort and, each time, Norris turned these improvements into victory.
A momentum that contrasts with that of Mercedes, whose significant lead built during the first half of the season is gradually eroding.
“I think they are the team to beat right now” admits Russell.
McLaren has overturned the hierarchy
The Mercedes driver’s statement is significant given the dominance shown by the W17 during the early months of the season.
But at Zandvoort, McLaren’s superiority became hard to ignore. Norris won the race with an 11.5-second lead over Kimi Antonelli, while Russell had to settle for third place.
The MCL40 was notably formidable in the fast sections and in tire management.
Russell believes that certain characteristics of the last two circuits particularly favored McLaren.
“I think these circuits with high degradation really suit McLaren very well, especially Lando.”
The Briton considers his compatriot particularly skilled when tire management becomes crucial.
“He has always been somewhat of a specialist in these conditions. We also saw that last year.”
Monza could reshuffle the cards
The next Grand Prix will however take place in a radically different environment.
Monza is based on extremely low downforce levels, long straights, and a significant emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and engine power.
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Russell therefore hopes that the W17 will regain more competitiveness there.
“I think we will be slightly more competitive there.”
He nevertheless refrains from predicting an automatic return of Mercedes to the top. The particular characteristics of the Italian circuit make the hierarchy difficult to anticipate.
“Monza might be slightly different, but I think they remain the team to beat right now.”
Russell also fears a Ferrari engine upgrade
McLaren is not the only threat identified by Russell for the next event.
Ferrari will race at home and could, according to the Briton, have a particularly important upgrade.
“I believe Ferrari is due to receive an engine upgrade and, to be honest, we simply don’t know what will happen.”
An improvement in the SF-26’s power would be particularly beneficial at Monza, where straight-line speed plays a major role.
Ferrari had already shown a very encouraging race pace at Zandvoort. Fred Vasseur even considered that his car was faster than Mercedes on Sunday, despite the second and third places ultimately achieved by Antonelli and Russell.
The Scuderia had mainly lost ground due to several execution errors and a confused strategy.
Mercedes now under pressure
For Mercedes, the trip to Italy will therefore be an important test.
The German team maintains a comfortable lead in both championships, but the trend of recent weeks is much less reassuring. McLaren is progressing rapidly, Ferrari continues to develop its car, and Red Bull will try to react after a very difficult weekend at Zandvoort.
Mercedes thus finds itself in an unusual position: that of the team that must now respond to the progress of its rivals.
And Russell no longer tries to downplay the new hierarchy.
After Budapest and Zandvoort, the verdict is clear: for the Mercedes driver, the current reference in Formula 1 is McLaren.
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