Russell looks ahead: 'In five years' time I'll fight it out with them'

Mercedes driver George Russell is already making a prediction about the state of Formula 1 in four to five years' time. The Briton imagines that by then the battle for the championship will be between him and four others. In addition, Russell considers it likely that teammate Lewis Hamilton will still be active in Formula 1 in four years' time.

Who will be competing in Formula 1 five years from now? Russell looks ahead

Speaking to Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport, George Russell looks ahead to the championships in the near future. Asked how the Briton envisions Formula 1 in four to five years, he replies:"Hamilton could still be there. In the meantime, he did a two-year contract because he believes he can win again, otherwise he wouldn't have accepted. Then of course, me, Max, Charles and Lando will fight it out, and who knows who will be the first driver at Aston Martin."

Russell is also looking less far ahead, looking at the years up to 2026. He considers it possible to catch up with Red Bull next year, but he still thinks Red Bull can go on to win all the races in 2023. "On 2023 so far I have got it right, unfortunately.On the future no, I think we can reach them. Slowly, but we are closing that gap," said the Mercedes driver.

Russell: "Amazing that Ferrari didn't push through strong 2022 start"

Mercedes is currently second in the constructors' championship standings, well behind Red Bull. Finally, Russell also looks back at Mercedes' main competitors and sees that two teams have made great strides. "Aston Martin and McLaren have made important steps. I am instead surprised by how Ferrari, after the great progress of early '22, has not continued. And that's a shame, because of Ferrari's iconic role."