Russell passes McLaren verdict that could lead to new title battle twist

Mercedes was the team to beat the year before in Las Vegas, as Russell and Lewis Hamilton claimed a one-two finish in the so-called Sin City back in 2024.

When asked whether McLaren could be their biggest rivals this weekend, the British driver said: "Honestly, no. I don’t think so.

Entering the weekend, Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri by 24 points and Max Verstappen by 49 points in the drivers' standings.

According to Russell, the Woking-based team has previously struggled in similar conditions.

He continued: "When you look at their performance in Canada, it was the only time they weren't on the podium, and their performance in Baku — the only [other] time they weren't on the podium.

He concluded: "So they'll be there or thereabouts, but I think Red Bull probably have a better chance."

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