Russell aims to 'win races', not world title battle with Verstappen

George Russell won in Austria, Lewis Hamilton won at 'his' Silverstone. A prelude to more for Mercedes? If it were up to Russell, yes, but actually competing for the world championship is a bridge too far, according to the 26-year-old Briton. Why? The gap to Max Verstappen is too big.

"This championship already, Max is a long way out in front and Lando’s in a pretty solid P2. But I think the goal for us for the rest of the year is just to try and win as many more races as possible.," Russell informed GPblog and other media in Hungary. Verstappen is on 255 points, while Russell has to make do with 111.

The current number seven in the Drivers' standings continued: "Of course, we've closed this gap massively. We've had two really great races in the last four. But still, when you look at it, Max has still won two of those races, finished second in another, and should have finished second in Austria. It's not been a bad run of form for those guys either, we're no doubt closer than ever."

"We just need to see this race weekend and in Spa, I think if we have two good race weekends here, we'll be fast everywhere. We said that in Silverstone, but if we can achieve it again these next two, I think we’ll be there for the rest of the season," said Russell, who also brought other positive news. The engine he raced with and failed at Silverstone has been saved. As a result, that powerplant can still be used later this season.