In 2024 George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished over 45 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen as the season got under way in Bahrain. Thirteen months on, Russell split the supreme McLarens in second place as the Silver Arrows appeared to pass an important stress test.
As Red Bull wrestles with car balance and grip woes and Ferrari is also struggling to keep up over a race distance, Mercedes has manoeuvred itself in the position of McLaren's closest challenger so far. Russell's third podium in four races – across different layouts – is showcasing a consistency he couldn't achieve with the less pliable 2024 car.
