George Russell has set out his Formula 1 title aspirations for 2026, and admitted he is keen to go “head-to-head” with Max Verstappen.
The Brit has been tentatively handed the moniker of ‘title favourite’, given the Mercedes power unit is reputed to be the fastest on the grid, as well as the impressive miles clocked by the Brackley-based squad in last week’s pre-season shakedown schedule.
Russell finished fourth in last season’s Drivers’ Championship, with Mercedes lagging behind McLaren and Red Bull, but managed to finish second in the Constructors’ standings, owing to his two wins and team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s late-season flourish.
The five-time Grand Prix-winner has been in the midst of a rivalry with Verstappen since their stunning fall-out over an incident during qualifying for the 2024 Qatar GP.
It was furthered by the pair’s coming-together late in last year’s Spanish GP, in which Verstappen collided with Russell after being forced to yield position to him.
And despite a protest of Russell’s Canada win from Red Bull, the pair have appeared to have afforded each other a little more respect since.
But speaking to media including Motorsport Week, Russell appeared keen for a title rivalry arc to beckon with the Dutchman this year, and indicated the early label of favourite is not adding any pressure to his shoulders.
“I’d love for it to turn out that way and I do want to go head-to-head with Max,” he said.
“Lando [Norris] had a great season last year, but no, it didn’t add any more pressure.
“Probably the fans and people were expecting potentially Mercedes vs McLaren, because there was a lot of anticipation that Mercedes would clearly have the best power unit.
“But it seems like the other power unit manufacturers have done a good job and we know that Red Bull has always had an amazing car.
“Even through the years of dominance of Mercedes, it was their engine that was letting them down, not their car.
“We know how good Max is. He’s very much going to be in the fight this year, that is great.”
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