George Russell says Red Bull are in "a league of their own" as the new Formula 1 season gets underway in Bahrain.
And the 25-year-old Brit, who got the better of his team-mate Lewis Hamilton last year, clearly believes Mercedes are facing an almighty battle just to contend for a podium place in Sunday's opening race. The competition will be strong, if pre-season testing performances are to be believed.
Russell told reporters: "I think it's definitely fair to say Red Bull are in a league of their own this weekend. But it'll probably be a nice fight for second between Ferrari and Aston Martin."