F1 fans now certain George Russell is the most ‘underrated’ driver on the grid after reacting to ‘unbelievable’ statistic

George Russell has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season with a podium in the Chinese Grand Prix after finishing third for the second time in a row.

The Mercedes driver started the race from second on the grid after delivering a late lap in qualifying to split both McLaren drivers, which made them hopeful of a victory challenge.

After attempting to overtake Oscar Piastri into the first corner, Russell lost ground to Lando Norris but quickly regained it by making use of the powerful undercut. Russell would go on to be overtaken by Norris in a move that he compared to Michael Schumacher, and the move he once pulled on Rubens Barrichello in 2010.

There was a brief period when it looked like Russell would overtake Norris, after the McLaren driver encountered a brake problem, but he had to settle for third place.

Russell has shown remarkable consistency in the last 10 races, something that was picked up on by fans on social media website X (formerly Twitter).

F1 fans react to George Russell stat that shows incredible consistency in last 10 races

Russell’s third place in China was his second podium in a row and fourth time in the last 10 races he has finished on it for Mercedes.

It is also the 10th time that he has finished in the top 10 places, with nine top five finishes and a victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2024.

Fans took to social media to react to the start, with one user pointing out that Russell was never taken seriously while partnering Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

“The most underrated driver in F1. Even after getting the better of Hamilton people never took Russell seriously,” said one fan.

Another fan pointed towards Russell’s junior career as proof that he was always one of the better drivers on the grid: “People need to remember that George probably have one of if not the best junior career among everyone on the grid. He just never really have a tool to showcase his talent.”

One fan drew on the rumours that Mercedes was looking to replace him with Max Verstappen, should the Red Bull driver be looking for an exit in his contract: “Somehow they want to replace him next year.”

Some fans believe Russell’s results often go unnoticed because Mercedes is not regularly winning: “Undoubtedly the most in-form driver” while another remarked: “This guy’s underrated asf”

Two other fans believe Russell might be a contender for the title, if he keeps up his consistency during the long 24-race season: “Unbelievable driver and criminally underrated”, while another said: “His consistency will be rewarded in the long run.”

George Russell showing he is a team leader at Mercedes

Russell’s results in the last 10 races show that he is embracing being the team leader at Mercedes, having now taken over from Hamilton.

The Briton faced tough moments last season when he crashed chasing Fernando Alonso in the closing stages of the Australian GP, and then was disqualified after winning in Belgium.

Russell will be hopeful that his results will continue like this throughout the long season, and if Andrea Kimi Antonelli finishes consistently the team could finish higher up the Constructors’ order than they expected.