Nico Rosberg believes that George Russell is poised to secure the F1 world championship with Mercedes.
In the 2024 F1 season, Russell had a successful run, culminating in a victory at the Austrian Grand Prix.
However, his win at Spa was nullified due to a technical violation.
Russell surpassed Hamilton in points, placing higher than him in the championship standings for the second time in three years.
An impressive aspect of Russell’s season was his exceptional performances in qualifying.
He secured three pole positions and outperformed Hamilton in qualifying head-to-head, with a record of 19-5.
Rosberg, a former Mercedes driver, expressed his belief in Russell’s potential to clinch the world championship if provided with the right equipment.
“George can win the World Championship. If Mercedes gives him a decent car then he can win the World Championship,” Rosberg affirmed.
Despite his stellar one-lap speed, there are lingering doubts about Russell’s race pace, as pointed out by Rosberg.
“I even question maybe because you know as a driver it’s you who does the setup of the car eventually,” Rosberg pondered.
“You make a decision. I wonder if maybe he goes really too aggressive and you can always do that one step too aggressive where in qualifying it’s ultra-rapid but it does cost you in the race a little bit on setup.
“Maybe he’s too much towards qualifying always there or there’s something else. But he needs to find a tiny bit in racing. Even with the way he’s been driving this year, if the car’s there, he can win, be a world champion.”
