I expect George Russell to challenge Lewis Hamilton, says two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi - Speedway Digest

With the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, VegasInsider sat down with two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi to discuss the opening race as well as his expectations for the season. Here’s what Fittipaldi had to say:

I’m sure McLaren will challenge Red Bull and Mercedes

“In my opinion, we are going to have a surprise from McLaren.”

“I’m sure McLaren will challenge Red Bull and Mercedes.”

“McLaren had some very good results last year and they are running strong. They have a new organisation. Everything is looking good.”

“Lando Norris is extremely fast. Daniel Ricciardo is a racer. He’s always there and he’s fast as well. I think it will be a very interesting year. And we can have even more surprises from other teams. But I’m sure McLaren will be strong – the same with Ferrari.”

“I think McLaren have been working a lot on the new rules for the new car since last year. They have the capacity, the experience, they have a strong history and background, and under Zac Brown they have redone the team – they are much stronger than before.”

Both McLaren and Ferrari will be up there with Red Bull and Mercedes

“I expect McLaren and Ferrari to be very fast this year. I think those two will be the surprises this season.”

“If you look at the last three years, the progression McLaren have made has been incredible. And I know Ferrari have been working very consistently last season to prepare the new car for the new rules.”

“Mercedes and (Max) Verstappen will be competing, for sure. But I think it will be possible that we see a minimum of two more teams up there at their level. Because when you make a new rule, it equalises everybody.”

“Everyone is in the same boat.”

George Russell will challenge Lewis Hamilton

“I think for what we saw last year, George Russell in Bahrain showed his potential as a driver. He put on a show at that race. Amazing.”

“And I’m sure he’ll be very close to Lewis, with less experience in the team. I would say that you need two or three Grands Prix to adapt yourself to the team.”

“But he’ll challenge Lewis in my opinion. He’s very talented and an aggressive driver.”

“He’s been running well in the Williams car. We know how much he made surprises in the Williams racer.”

“This season should be one of the most exciting seasons in the history of Formula 1.”

Thanks again to VegasInsider for their insight. You can find the entire interview here.

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Adam Sinclair

NHRA, IHRA, Motocross and other forms of motorsports Staff writer
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.