George Russell feels he is "driving better than ever" but acknowledged a push for the Formula One drivers' championship is reliant on McLaren slipping up.

The Mercedes driver secured his team's first victory of the season by triumphing at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.

McLaren's Lando Norris and championship-leading team-mate Oscar Piastri collided in Montreal, with the former retiring from the race.

The Australian moved 22 points clear in the drivers' standings after 10 of 24 rounds, while Russell is fourth overall – behind third-placed Max Verstappen – but still a massive 62 points behind Piastri.

"I don't really know how Max and I are so close to those two [McLaren drivers] because they clearly have the most dominant car," Russell said.

"I think the two of us have been very consistent and getting the maximum result from our packages week in, week out. But I can't imagine them continuing to throw away points in the manner they're doing.

"Of course, we hope that continues to be the case, but I don't foresee us getting in the championship fight through pure pace as Lando did last year.

"We'll only be there if results like today continue or things like today continue to happen."

Let’s hear it for your Canadian GP winner pic.twitter.com/0uXY7gY7jm

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 16, 2025

Russell is out of contract at the end of 2025 but remains confident of staying with Mercedes, and Sunday's triumph will only aid his cause.

"I know I'm going to be on the grid next year. I feel that I'm driving better than ever. I still feel I've got more in the tank," he added. "I feel ready to fight for a world championship."

There remains continued speculation over a Mercedes move for Red Bull's four-time world champion Verstappen.

Russell says he has not discussed joining any other team, however, and that his plans are firmly with his current constructor.

"There haven't been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max," he said.

"If every driver had no contract for next year, Max would be number one for every single team. And that's understandable. But ultimately, there are two seats for every race team.

"I know if I continue to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place."