Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle says George Russell is “ready to go” to fight for his first F1 world championship in the 2026 season.
As the countdown to next week’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix is broadcast live on Sky Sports, Mercedes’ Russell remains favorite for the bookmakers’ Drivers’ Championship, with the Silver Arrows enjoying a strong pre-season in their new W17 car.
Brundle believes there is “no clear favorite” for the title based on the test results, but if pre-season predictions are correct, Russell will be one of the players in contention for the title.
“I think he’s ready for it,” Brundle said of Russell, 28, who is entering his eighth season in F1.
“He’s a smart guy. They’re all smart guys. George has built a team around him. Kimi (Antonelli) will be stronger this year in the other car, but there George is completely out of Lewis (Hamilton)’s shadow. He’s the king of the Mercedes-Benz castle.”
“He played for Williams for many years and then moved to Mercedes when Mercedes had just lost their dominance, so he has trained hard.
“He has the experience, he has good control of the car and he will be well respected within the team to help drive what will be an incredibly volatile year.”
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Appearing on Sky Sports News, Brundle added: “I think his teammate Kimi Antonelli is going to have a great season as well, but George has all the confidence he needs to win races and win the championship if he has the chance.”
“We had doubts last year with Lando (Norris) and Oscar (Piastri) that they would shrink under the pressure from Max (Verstappen), but they didn’t.
“I think George is in a very good situation.”
Asked how Russell would deal with the challenge within Mercedes from teammate Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian entering his second year in F1, Brundle added: “Remember,[Russell]grew up in Lewis Hamilton’s shadow at Mercedes and he dealt with it and in the final year when they finally became team-mates, he clearly beat Lewis.
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“So I have no doubts about him. They are all world-class drivers in F1 and we have to beat them in some way.”
“I think George has so much experience now, even though he’s not yet 30, so if he has a championship-winning car, I don’t think anything will distract him.”
‘No clear favorite’ – Brundle predicts an open ‘Big Four’ battle
Mercedes may be favorites to win both titles heading into the 24-race campaign, but Brundle believes they will face challenges from all three of their established rivals based on the results of three winter tests.
“I know Ferrari is strong, and I think both Ferrari drivers are strong,” Brundle said.
“Both McLaren drivers will be equally strong. Oscar will be back on the mission after what he learned last year. Lando, I don’t think I’ve seen him with a bigger smile on his face this year. He’s just getting that peace of mind now.”
“Red Bull looks really strong and we know how good Max’s car control will be, which is needed in these cars.
“So, for me, I don’t have a clear favorite.”
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