George Russell Foresees Verstappen's Strategic 'Backing Up' Plan for F1 Title in Abu Dhabi
George Russell speculates Max Verstappen will employ a strategic 'backing up' tactic in Abu Dhabi to secure his fifth F1 title, intentionally slowing the pace to bring other cars into play against championship rival Lando Norris. This high-stakes strategy, reminiscent of 2016, could dramatically influence the final standings in a tense season finale.
George Russell believes Max Verstappen might intentionally slow down the pack at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, should he hold the lead from the start, in a strategic move reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg's 2016 finale.
Why it matters:
With only 12 points separating Max Verstappen and championship leader Lando Norris, the final race in Abu Dhabi is set to be a high-stakes tactical battle. Verstappen, starting from pole, needs to win while Norris finishes fourth or lower to secure his fifth consecutive F1 title. This scenario sets the stage for potential on-track strategies aimed at influencing the championship outcome, making the race more than just a speed contest.
The details:
- Verstappen starts on pole, with Norris second and Oscar Piastri third, creating a direct confrontation at the front of the grid.
- Russell, who starts fourth, suggests that if Verstappen maintains his lead after Lap 1, he won't simply pull away, but instead "back up" the field. This tactic would aim to bring other cars into contention with Norris, potentially pushing the McLaren driver down the order.
- Historical Precedent: Russell drew a parallel to the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton strategically slowed down to bring Nico Rosberg into the clutches of other drivers, attempting to influence the championship outcome.
- Strategic Nuances: Russell clarified that such a tactic doesn't require "hooligan" or "dangerous" driving. He explained that a driver can manage the pace by just a few tenths of a second, which is enough to condense the pack on certain tracks without taking excessive risks.
- Qualifying Gamesmanship: The strategic maneuvering began even in qualifying, with Russell suggesting to his Mercedes team to position his W16 behind Verstappen. This was a subtle hint to Red Bull, implying that Verstappen might offer a tow to Russell to help him against the McLarens and get another car into the mix.
What's next:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises an intense strategic battle beyond raw pace. If Verstappen retains the lead, all eyes will be on his race management and whether he employs the anticipated 'backing up' tactic. The championship's conclusion hinges not only on speed but also on shrewd on-track strategy and how the McLarens and other contenders react to any such moves.