Jenson Button rubbishes Max Verstappen F1 title theory – "How can you say that?"

Jenson Button is not on board with George Russell's theory that Red Bull will win every race this season.

In fact, the 2009 Formula 1 drivers' champion thinks a tense title race could still be on the cards. That's despite watching on like the rest of us as Red Bull eased to victory in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, with no-one near Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez.

The dominant way in which the victory was sealed sent a message to the rest of the grid that Red Bull will very much be the team to beat this year. It was strong enough to have Russell waving the white flag after just one race.

But Button cannot understand the logic of such thinking. He said: "I know that a lot of drivers have said, 'It's going to be an easy championship for Red Bull and Max', but how can you say that? We've only tested at one track. We've only raced at one track.

"And we all know that Bahrain is very unique in the way that the cars work there. It's a heavy braking, traction circuit, it's not so much about high-speed. So we can't say that. I think we'll understand a bit more after Saudi, which is more of a fast-flowing track. And also when we get the European races.

"So no, it's not a walk in the park for Red Bull and Max. It's a great start to the season and very different to what they had last year. But I still think we're going to have some very, very close fights.

Jenson Button thinks it's much too early in the F1 season to draw conclusions about the title race (Getty Images)

"I don't think it's going to be a straightforward win for Red Bull and Max. But I loved the first race. I thought it was action-packed and that's what I look for. I look for great racing, and great fights."

Russell had said after the Bahrain race: "Red Bull have got this championship sewn up – I don't think anybody is going to be fighting with them this year. I expect them to – or they should – win every single race this season."

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff later agreed, adding: "With my sporting aspirations, it was bad to see our deficit. We don't want to finish second, we want to win. But there is a team miles ahead. They are playing with the competition – they don't even have tyre wear. After the first Grand Prix I also believe that they will win every race this year."