George Russell is “ready” to challenge for his first Formula 1 world title, according to Martin Brundle — who also expects a reenergised Lewis Hamilton to be in the championship picture.
With Mercedes lacking the pace of rivals Red Bull and McLaren in recent seasons, Russell has watched Max Verstappen dominate and close friend Lando Norris claim his maiden title.
But a rules regulation refresh for 2026 brings a potential change to the pecking order, with Mercedes expected to be at the front — or close to it — come the opening race in Australia on March 8.
“I do think he’s ready for it,” ex-F1 driver-turned-pundit Brundle said of Russell on Sky Sports.
“He’s a smart guy; they’re all smart guys. George has got the team around him. Kimi [Antonelli] will be stronger this year in the other car, but George is completely out of Lewis [Hamilton]’s shadow there, he’s the king of the castle at Mercedes-Benz.
“I think he’s got the experience, he’s got the car control, and I think he will command the respect in the team to help drive what’s going to be an incredibly changeable year.”
“We questioned that with Lando last year, and Oscar [Piastri] too, whether they would wilt under pressure from Max, and they didn’t.
“I think George is in a very good place.”
Brundle said there was no “clear favourite” for the championship with four teams having a strong chance, but admitted Ferrari is in a “better place than we’ve seen for a few years” and will be “strong.”
That’s good news for Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who comes into 2026 off the back of the most disappointing campaign of his career.
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“As Formula 1 fans, we always want Ferrari to do well, don’t we?,” Brundle added. “And I’d love to see that come right for Lewis.
“He seems a bit happier. He will be great at using the tools that are available to him under the new regulations. He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari, because he’s right on it, as well.
“But a happy Lewis has always been, and not just at Ferrari, been a fast Lewis. And I have to say, Ferrari have been quite innovative over the winter, and they look in a better place than we’ve seen them for a few years now.
“So, I’m confident that Lewis will have a better year.”
