Russell pinpoints Red Bull's biggest strength ahead of British Grand Prix

The Mercedes driver beat Verstappen by just 1.6 seconds last week, and the Dutchman could have mounted a tougher challenge if Red Bull brought Verstappen in straight away after Russell's second stop. Verstappen had closed the gap to Russell during the second stint but then had to fight back again after coming out of the pits 11 seconds behind the eventual race winner.

Silverstone's high-speed nature should suit the Red Bull once again, and Russell was quizzed on Thursday whether he predicts they will be the toughest challengers for Mercedes on Sunday.

Speaking to GPblog among other media outlets, Russell said: I think Ferrari had a tough race as they had some issues with issues with the PU (power unit) overheating in Austria, so I don't think they showed their full potential. You know, Red Bull have notoriously been fast in high-speed corners and that was the case again in Austria. I think it's, you know, three, four, five drivers are all in the fight week in, week out now.

Verstappen once again questioned why there was only a single yellow flag initially after his crash during Austria GP qualifying that allowed Russell to lift off the throttle but still complete his lap which was good enough for pole position. Verstappen though defended Russell admitting he would have tried to do the same thing.

The Dutchman crashed at Turn 9 and it was assumed that Charles Leclerc would qualify on pole in a Ferrari 1-2 from Lewis Hamilton. That was until Russell put his car on pole and it was revealed that he had lifted off the throttle sufficiently enough for his lap to count.

Verstappen said in Austria that it was "crazy" not to wave double yellows instantly after his crash. Speaking on Thursday's media day ahead of the British GP, he told reporters: "I think, first of all, it should not have been a single yellow. At least a double yellow or a red, first of all. The driver then, of course, optimises around it. I think that's fair play. I mean, I probably would have tried to do the same. That's just how it works. But it shouldn't even be allowed or be possible not to finish your lap like that. That's the main concern in all of this."