George Russell celebrated his 25th birthday by declaring himself ready to fight champion Max Verstappen for the world title.
Despite the team's troubles in 2022, Russell enjoyed a promising first season in Formula 1 with Mercedes. He won his first Grand Prix in Brazil – the Silver Arrows' only victory last term – and finished fourth in the drivers' standings, 35 points ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
And he reckons that has given the platform to establish himself as a major force at the front of the F1 grid. Russell said: "I feel like last year was a good taste but I feel absolutely ready within myself and the team around me to fight... and we want to put that fight against Max.
