Is Russell the fastest driver in F1?

I think Verstappen is still the fastest, but in raw pace in a good car I think Russell, LeClerc, and Norris could challenge. If I had to order them I'd probably say LeClerc, Russell, Norris but after this season it's harder than ever to do that.

Racecraft seems to be Russells issue. He shined when he was in the Mercedes but he's made some truly baffling mistakes in the Williams. As has LeClerc in the Ferrari. Norris has kept it clean (minus Spa of course) which puts him above the others in that regard IMO.

Russell would fly in a Mercedes but if he'll consistently put in the top drive is the question worth asking.

 

Warming up tires and crashing, yes, along with his crash with Bottas should count as well IMO.

I'm hoping once he gets into a Mercedes his red mist window opens up a bit since he'll be in a much faster car which allows him to practice more patience.

 

There is the age difference between Hamilton and Russell for Toto Wolff to consider when dealing with them.

Hamilton maybe be a seasoned champion for Mercedes, but he is near retirement.

Russell has to fit in, but has a least a decade to give to his employer. It would be stupid to sacrifice him to please Lewis, IMO.

 

GR is good, however this past Sat can not be used as an indicator of the future. Prime point is that Latifi also way over performed. Could Russell (or Latifi) have performed the same in dry conditions? Not unlikely that it was a fluke in the Williams, for whatever reason, had the perfect setup for Spa in the rain.

 

Possibly Button was Whitmarsh's choice, whilst Hamilton was surely Ron Dennis' one !

 

And that's why Lewis would like to keep the status quo.

 

Literally said he's one of the fastest in the grid and that he would fly in a Mercedes. Racecraft errors can cost someone a chance at a top seat as raw pace isn't enough to succeed so when compared to other drivers who can be just as fast, it's a point worth noting about a driver.

If anyone needs to get a grip it might be you.

 

Who wouldn't in his shoes ?

 

Look . . . we get it. You're a George Russell fan. That's fine. But you're not going to convince everyone to feel the same. Sheesh . . .

Have a nice day.

 

Surely the answer should be - he was mega quick on this event but work in progress until he gets a decent car / team behind him.

Hopefully for him that team / car will be Mercedes (if they get the new design spot on) My guess is they will be top or near the top as their involvement in Form E and vast knowledge being gained from GE aero work will be invaluable for the 22 car

 

He's certainly fast on Saturdays in general. I tried to point out yesterday that he finished ahead of EVERYONE not named Max in the 8th/9th most competitive car on the grid...and it took a brilliant final lap by Max to knock him off. Yes, it's possible he caught the perfect timing and took chances with nothing to lose, but he's consistently out-qualified his car. His Sunday form hasn't matched Saturdays, but it will take placing him in the right car/team to know how good he really is. I think he responded loudly to Latifi out-performing him in Hungary.

Is he the fastest qualifier on the grid? Maybe, time will tell. Race-wise, he usually out-qualifies Latifi handily, but they end up within a couple of places of each other when both finish. His 7-place margin at Spa was his biggest delta to his teammate....but of course, that was solely based on qualifying. Going up against a guy like Hamilton or Verstappen would be much tougher than Latifi.

 

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Actually, Latifi had more points than him this season prior to Spa. France was the only full race where he demolished Latifi. Agree that it's tougher to keep faster cars down for a full race vs Q. Noo doubt he will be fast.
Not certain how they already know the Turkey results:

Bahrain Mar 26 - 28 Nicholas Latifi (R)
George Russell (14)
Italy Apr 16 - 18 George Russell (R)
Nicholas Latifi (R)
Portugal Apr 30 - 2 Nicholas Latifi (18)
George Russell (16)
Spain May 7 - 9 George Russell (14)
Nicholas Latifi (16)
Monaco May 20 - 23 Nicholas Latifi (15)
George Russell (14)
Azerbaijan Jun 4 - 6 George Russell (R)
Nicholas Latifi (16)
Canada Jun 11 - 13 Nicholas Latifi (16)
George Russell (R)
France Jun 18 - 20 Nicholas Latifi (18)
George Russell (12)
Austria Jul 2 - 4 Nicholas Latifi (15)
George Russell (11)
George Russell (R)
Nicholas Latifi (17)
Great Britain Jul 16 - 18 George Russell (12)
Nicholas Latifi (14)
Hungary Jul 30 - 1 George Russell (8)
Nicholas Latifi (7)
Belgium Aug 27 - 29 George Russell (2)
Nicholas Latifi (9)
Turkey Oct 8 - 10 Nicholas Latifi (16)
George Russell (R)

 

Team orders early in 2013 season reveal the actuality of Toto favouring Lewis.
It's well documented.

 

Do document it then

 

CHARLES IS THE FASTEST DRIVER OUT THERE, HANDS DOWN...

 

For sure, Chuck is the fastest Ferrari driver out there. Carl is no slouch either.

Top spot overall goes to Max.