Russell sees ‘fierce rivalry’ ahead between Verstappen and Leclerc

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George Russell expects a “fierce rivalry” between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc to dominate Formula 1’s headlines in the coming ten years.

The former karting adversaries are two of the sport’s brightest young stars, although Verstappen’s graduation to the pinnacle of motorsport in 2015 provided the Red Bull charger with a head start over his Ferrari rival.

The Dutchman already has eleven wins under his belt and has staked his claim for the world title this season while Leclerc has yet to make the most of a machine worth his undisputable talent.

Russell believes the two drivers will join up at some point and engage in battle at the top of the field, perhaps alongside the Williams hopeful.

“They’re the two I suspect will be at the top in the future,” Russell told RaceFans.net.

“Max in this past year and a half, two years, has really come into another level, to be honest. I think that has been a factor of firstly being an incredible driver, but being in the same team, just that consistency is something that just naturally comes along.

“Charles is only in his third season now with Ferrari, I still think it takes a bit of time for all of these small updates to be directed in a way that will suit you personally as a driver.

“But they’re both absolutely incredible drivers and they’re going to be able top of this for the coming 10 years.

“[It will be] a fierce rivalry. So I look forward to that challenge whether that’s fighting against them in different cars or whether that’s fighting against each other as team mates.”

Read also: Alan Jones says Russell should stand up to 'silly' Wolff

Russell’s ability to tag on to the duo and generate a massive three-way fight will likely depend on the Briton’s widely expected move to Mercedes next season.

Filling the plum seat with the reigning world champions is a given for most pundits, and the Mercedes protégé is also putting his faith in the German manufacturer.

“Mercedes have always put their faith in me and everything’s been on course,” he explained.

“They signed me in 2016, put me in GP3 and the goal was to win it. Then it was F2, goal was to win it and you’ll be in F1. And the deal at the time was a three-year deal. We’re in our third season now.

“What will happen for next year? Time will only tell, but they’ve had my back and faith in me since day one and I continue to have my faith in them, that they’ll give me the best opportunity for me to succeed in the future.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.