Russell flirts with COTA underdog win amid bold momentum claims

After a run of some very tough outings for the German team following their outing in Canada, since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix the team have scored 65 points divided into a win, two podiums and a top 5 result.

Have Mercedes now joined the fray as a habitual contender for the wins in Formula One as well? Russell does believe so, should the magic be there in Q3, a crucial moment the British driver emphasises it can make or break your weekend.

He said: "Well, I think the sport's just incredibly close at the moment, and if you can deliver a magic lap in Q3, there can be enough to bring you onto the top step of the podium.

He added: "But they dominated the race here last year and then the momentum can shift once more. So that's what's making the sport exciting right now, is that sort of those two laps you have in qualifying can make a break the weekend."

Russell, reflecting on his 2025 season, and the level of consistency and high-level performance it's been chracterised by, argues he is indeed ready to fight for a world championship. The British driver also cleared the air on his recently announced multi-year contract extension with Mercedes.

Did Russell get everything he wanted from his fresh Mercedes deal? Read what he said on the matter here.

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