Verstappen to Russell: You need a “big transformation” to compete with Antonelli for the Formula 1 title

Dutchman Max Verstappen told Briton George Russell that he needs a “major shift” in his level to prevent his Italian colleague Kimi Antonelli from winning the Formula 1 world championship, before the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled to be held in Malaysia this weekend.

British news agency PA Media reported that Russell is entering the sixteenth race of the season, which is being held in Malaysia as an alternative to the Manama race, which was left from the championship calendar due to the conflict in the Middle East, 66 points behind Antonelli.

Russell (28 years old) was the most prominent candidate to win the world championship at the beginning of the season, but he faltered after winning the opening race in Australia, after he faced difficulties in dealing with a car that was more suited to the driving style of Antonelli (20 years old). Antonelli won 8 races, compared to 3 wins for Russell.

But Russell's dominant performance in Azerbaijan a week ago, where he led all laps of the race from pole position, after Antonelli crashed out of qualifying, gave him a glimmer of hope that the title race would remain open.

When evaluating Russell's chances of competing for the world championship, Verstappen told the British news agency (PA Media): "In some periods, it seemed as if - and I do not want to say that he (Russell) - had given up, but perhaps there were some question marks."

He added: “Maybe it was a little confusing, and this danger is always there when there are new regulations.”

He continued: “Kimi is also very talented, and last season was his first season, so I always knew that he would improve. "Earlier ground effect era cars were very difficult for novice drivers, because they were complex cars, and you couldn't drive with 100 percent commitment."

He continued: “Now, the driving style is completely different, and perhaps it suits more and naturally with Kimi, but on the other hand, this is not an excuse.”

He stressed: “Sometimes you have to accept that you are sitting next to an exceptional talent, right? "Then you need a lot of mental toughness, and it depends on what's going on in your head, and how you stay motivated."

He said: “George had a great weekend in Baku, but the difference is still huge. “Honestly, all Kimi needs to do is stay close to him, and that will be enough, even if he finishes the race directly next to him.”

He added: “It is not impossible for George to win the title, but he needs a major transformation, and when the conflict is between two teammates, it becomes more difficult, because they are driving the same car.”

The Mercedes team made major updates to its car in preparation for the first race in Malaysia in 9 years, which included 7 major modifications to the car’s floor, rear suspension system, and rear structure.