George RUSSELL vs Max VERSTAPPEN
Did our AI pick the right driver?
Every prediction we publish ranks the full grid. For each round we take the driver we placed higher of these two, then check who actually finished higher.
A round is only scored when both drivers appear in the predicted order and both are classified in the result: a retirement is nobody's call. Published predictions are never edited afterwards.
The rivalry
Across 16 shared race weekends, George Russell leads Max Verstappen 8–3 in Grand Prix finishes, 9–7 in qualifying, and 5–0 in sprint sessions. Driving for Mercedes, Russell has accumulated 236 points with three wins, eight podiums, two DNFs, an average finish of 4.71, and an average qualifying position of 3.47. In contrast, Red Bull Racing's Verstappen has recorded 196 points, one win, eight podiums, three DNFs, an average finish of 4.69, and an average qualifying position of 5. Their on-track battles have featured narrow margins and strategic swings. In Baku, Russell held off a surging Verstappen by 0.1 seconds despite a late safety car restart and an engine power scare. While Mercedes maintained an advantage in single-lap execution and sprints across early rounds, Red Bull upgrades and wet conditions shifted the balance in Malaysia, handing Verstappen his sole Grand Prix win as Russell suffered a non-finish.
Round by round
2026 seasonCommon questions
Who is faster in qualifying, George RUSSELL or Max VERSTAPPEN?
George RUSSELL leads Max VERSTAPPEN 9–7 in qualifying head-to-head this season, counting only sessions where both drivers set a time.
Who has finished ahead more often, George RUSSELL or Max VERSTAPPEN?
George RUSSELL has finished ahead of Max VERSTAPPEN 8–4 this season, counting only races where both drivers were classified.