George Russell’s Huge Claim About the Upcoming Season Will Greatly Please F1 Fans

Formula One will bring in new regulations and new cars in the 2022 season. The sport hopes that the new regs will help promote closer racing and reduce the gap in the field. Mercedes driver George Russell believes that as many as five teams could be fighting at the top of the standings in the 2022 season.

Russell believes that teams like Ferrari and McLaren have made huge strides in the last season and will be competitive next season. He stated that the team which understands the cars the best will succeed in 2022.

WATCH STORY: From Lewis Hamilton to the Miz: When F1 & WWE Crossed Over

I think development is going to be absolutely key [in 2022]: George Russell

As reported by Formula1.com, the young Brit, who will race for Mercedes, stated that season-long development will determine which team comes out on top in the first race.

“A team like Ferrari that have been through a difficult period for the last two years are going to be so hungry, especially with this new rule change, to come back fighting, similar to McLaren as well.

These teams have got the infrastructure, the talent within the engineering department, with the drivers as well, to really fight,” said Russell.

“I truly believe there are five teams all capable of really doing something special next year, so you’ve got to be absolutely on it, and I think development is going to be absolutely key [in 2022].

It’s not going to be whoever has the fastest car [at testing or the first race]; it’s whoever manages to understand the car well and can develop and build from those foundations throughout the year.” said the new Mercedes driver.

Russell would look to start the season on the front foot and take the fight to Lewis Hamilton. The former Williams driver has a point to prove in F1 and running his teammate close in his first season would do a world of good to silence his critics. Hopefully, he will get on top of his new car and start the season with a bang.

Do you think Russell will challenge Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen for the title?

READ MORE: Is George Russell a pay driver?