Russell confirms: this approach for Verstappen is very much possible

09:03, 07 Dec

Updated: 11:48, 07 Dec

byKada Sarkozi

George Russell believes backing up the field would be possible for Max Verstappen at the championship-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"At some tracks you can easily drop half a second or a second at certain points without being dangerous, without causing risk to yourself."

- George Russell

The Red Bull Racing driver claimed pole position for the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP. For Verstappen, finishing first is not enough to claim his fifth world title in a row; he also needs Lando Norris to finish below third place.

According to Russell, it would be possible for the Dutchman to bunch up the field this Sunday.

He told GPblog after qualifying: "Yes, well I think backing up the pack on a street track, for example, is a very normal thing to do. Singapore, you control the pace and then you try and extend the gap around the pit stops.

"So you don't need to drive like a hooligan or dangerously to do that. You can just manage by three or four tenths more and that will condense the pack.

"At some tracks you can easily drop half a second or a second at certain points without being dangerous, without causing risk to yourself. So yes, you'd expect him to be doing that."

Russell driving the Mercedes car in Abu Dhabi - Photo: Race Pictures

Russell hopes to achieve result thanks to Verstappen's approach

The British driver is set to start from fourth place on the grid at the Yas Marina Circuit. He hopes that he can reap the rewards of Verstappen's tactics during the race.

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