Verstappen understands Mercedes decision to put Russell in ahead of Vandoorne
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- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen has called it "a shame" that Stoffel Vandoorne has not been summoned by Mercedes to drive during the second Grand Prix in Bahrain this weekend. Still, the nine-time Grand Prix winner thinks it makes sens to give Russell the chance. It is the ideal opportunity for the young Brit to prove himself.
"Well, I actually think it's a shame for Stoffel," said Verstappen in a press moment from Red Bull with the Dutch media. The Red Bull Racing driver would have liked to see him as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton this weekend. "But that's also because I know Stoffel better and have a good relationship with him."
That does not mean, however, that the 23-year-old Dutchman considers it unjust that Russell was put forward by Toto Wolff. "On the other hand, I can understand Mercedes wanting to put in someone who has been driving in Formula 1 all season and also has some experience with Mercedes. Of course Russell already knows the car, he has tested it. Not in this car, but in the end they all drive a bit the same," he explained
For Russell it is the ideal opportunity to show what he is capable of. For two seasons he has been showing off his skills in the Williams, but in that car he simply cannot excel. "It's a difference like day and night, in the good sense of the word. I had the same thing when I switched from Toro Rosso to Red Bull. When I drove away for the first time I thought: oh my God, what a difference a car can make."
Russell can show himself
"For George, of course, this is the best there is, I think he sees it that way himself. He may not say so, but it is of course a great moment to show how good he is towards Bottas and also Hamilton".