George Russell says Red Bull’s performance advantage is such that the reigning champions should win all of the Formula 1 races in 2023.
Red Bull dominated the opening round of the season in Bahrain with Max Verstappen leading home team-mate Sergio Perez for a comfortable 1-2 finish.
Verstappen was never challenged throughout the 57-lap grand prix, and was only headed during the pit stop cycle, while Perez cleared Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc mid-distance.
Third-placed Fernando Alonso was over half a minute behind Verstappen.
Russell finished the grand prix in seventh, two spots behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton, with the seven-times champion 50 seconds behind Verstappen.
“Red Bull have got this championship sewn up,” said Russell. “I don’t think anyone will be fighting with them this year. They should win every single race this year, is my bet.
“With the performance they’ve got [they should win every race].
“Their pace seemed weaker this weekend than it was in testing. But they’ve got it easy at the moment. They can do what they like.
“They might not be on pole all the time because we know Ferrari are very competitive in qualifying but when it comes to race pace they’re in a very strong position.”
