Max Verstappen congratulates George Russell for Singapore GP win - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

'Russell is joining Verstappen in the category of complete drivers'

11:05, 08 Oct

byOlly Darcy

European Le Mans Series driver Jamie Chadwick sees George Russell becoming a "complete driver", comparing the Brit to Max Verstappen by "coming into that category".

"What is impressive now is that he can perform under pressure. He is under a lot of pressure."

- Jamie Chadwick on George Russell

Russell shone at the Singapore Grand Prix, backing up his stunning qualifying performance to take his second win of the 2025 season.

The Brit is yet to have a contract for the 2026 season and beyond as he continues to build on his most successful and impressive season behind the wheel since making his debut in 2019.

"I think we talk a lot about how Max is the complete driver, but I do think that George is coming into that category," Chadwick explained on Sky Sports' podcast, 'The F1 Show'.

George Russell celebrating his Singapore Grand Prix victory - Photo: Race Pictures

"There's the category of racing drivers who have got the ability to qualify, race wheel-to-wheel, not crash, perform under pressure, and there are very few of them at the moment.

"What is impressive now is that he can perform under pressure. He is under a lot of pressure. He always is, but we are constantly asking about his contract, what position he is in there.

"He was also ill last weekend in Baku, and he has to go out and perform on the line. I think now he is able to develop into this driver that can kind of do it all.

Russell's form leads to more contract questions

A fifth career win of Russell's career saw Mercedes take a giant leap towards sealing P2 in the constructors' championship, putting some distance between themselves and Ferrari with six races remaining.

It was another performance that highlighted how valuable the Brit is to the German team as Russell still waits for an offical contract to be signed.

CEO and team principal Toto Wolff was once again asked about that as the bizarre topic trundles on, but there was not much insight given. "Good things take a while," was what the Austrian stated.

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