George Russell Rides High After Montreal Victory but Admits 2024 F1 Title Remains a Long Shot

George Russell is savoring a return to form after clinching a commanding win at the Canadian Grand Prix, declaring himself "better than ever" behind the wheel. The Mercedes driver sees the victory not only as a personal milestone but as valuable leverage in his ongoing contract talks with the team for 2026 and beyond. Still, he remains grounded about his title prospects this season.

Russell Says He's in Peak Form and Ready to Compete

Fresh off his Montreal triumph, Russell expressed unwavering confidence in his performance, saying he's ready to fight for a world championship. The win marked a crucial moment in his career, both as a morale booster and a statement of intent. While Russell is content with where things stand, he emphasized there's "no rush" in his contract discussions with Mercedes.

2024 Title Chase: A Distant Possibility

Despite his stellar performance and a current fourth-place position in the standings, Russell remains realistic about his 2024 title hopes. Trailing McLaren's Oscar Piastri by 62 points after 10 rounds, he acknowledged that a championship run this year would require more than just strong driving.

"I don't think we have the pace to challenge McLaren or Red Bull consistently," he said. "We'd need more weekends like Canada where rivals stumble."

Hopes Ride on Rivals' Missteps

Russell openly admits that Mercedes' path to contention depends heavily on the mistakes of others—particularly McLaren. The clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Montreal, which forced Norris to retire, opened the door for Russell's win. He said similar incidents would need to continue if Mercedes is to remain in the hunt: "If results like today keep happening, there's a chance. But we're not there on pure pace."

Calm Amid Verstappen Rumors

With ongoing speculation linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes, Russell remained unfazed. He acknowledged Verstappen's elite status in the sport, calling him "every team's number one pick" if all contracts were off the table. Still, Russell emphasized that his current performance keeps him secure.

"As long as I keep delivering, my seat isn't under threat," he stated confidently.

He also praised the dynamic with rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli—who finished third in Canada—and questioned why the team would disrupt a successful pairing.

Looking Ahead with Mercedes

Russell confirmed he is only in discussions with Mercedes regarding his future and has no intentions of leaving. His Montreal win, combined with consistent results and a strong team environment, puts him in a favorable position heading into contract negotiations.

Conclusion

George Russell may not see a 2024 world title within reach, but his recent win in Canada proves he's operating at his highest level. As he eyes long-term success with Mercedes, his mix of confidence, consistency, and composure may be the key to a future championship—if not this season, then soon.