George Russell and Lando Norris can challenge Max Verstappen in “the right car”, ex-Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert believes.
The Dutchman is already on course to claim a third consecutive F1 Drivers’ Championship in 2023, as Red Bull dominates the early part of this season thanks to their incredible RB19.
But while Verstappen may currently be a cut above the rest, Herbert picked the two young British chargers to take the fight to Max should their teams close the gap.
“George has been able to challenge him [Lewis Hamilton] and put him under a lot of pressure,” he told the Evening Standard.
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“George is going to be tough for Verstappen when he gets the right car. I also think Lando Norris is the same given the right car.”
This year, Russell is looking to assert himself at Mercedes and has out-qualified Hamilton at the opening three races of the season.
And 2008 championship runner-up Felipe Massa also feels the 2022 winner at Interlagos is the most likely to take on Verstappen in the coming years.
“You should never make the mistake of writing Lewis off. Alongside Michael [Schumacher] and Ayrton Senna, he is the best driver who has ever raced in Formula 1,” he told Bild.
“In addition to his experience, he has a very good feel for driving. Lewis can become World Champion again – but for that, he needs a competitive car. He doesn’t have that at the moment.
“Charles [Leclerc], like Max and Lewis, is an exceptional driver, and George Russell could become a title contender in the coming years.
“Don’t forget: last year, in his first season at Mercedes, he left Lewis behind in the World Championship. An incredible achievement.
“George is a top driver.”