Mercedes' Russell 'Ready To Fight' For 2026 F1 Title, Yet Wary Of Verstappen

George Russell believes Mercedes have finally handed him a car capable of winning the F1 World Championship, and he’s ready to grab the moment.

As Formula One enters a bold new technical era, Mercedes have

emerged as early pace-setters, with Russell even installed as bookmakers’ favourite for the 2026 title after an eye-catching first test in Barcelona.

“I feel ready to fight for a world championship,” Russell said at Mercedes’ digital launch on Monday. “Whether we’re labelled favourites or not doesn’t change my approach one single bit.”

Mercedes dominated the turbo-hybrid era between 2014 and 2021, winning eight straight constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ championships.

But since Russell arrived in 2022, the team have been forced to play catch-up behind Red Bull and, more recently, McLaren.

That could now be changing.

A sweeping overhaul of F1’s technical regulations has effectively reset the grid, and Mercedes impressed in Catalunya with a car that combined speed with reliability — two things that have been sorely missing in recent seasons.

“There’s a lot we still need to learn, and we need to learn it quickly,” Russell admitted. “But I feel confident in myself and in the team.”

Russell Remains Wary Of Verstappen Challenge

Standing in his way once again is the inevitable Max Verstappen.

The four-time world champion is eager to reclaim his crown after losing out to Lando Norris last season, and a renewed title fight would add fuel to an already spicy rivalry between the pair.

“I would love that,” Russell said of battling Verstappen. “If you’re going to win, you want to fight for it and win it fair and square on track.”

Early signs suggest a four-way scrap could be on the cards, with Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari all looking closely matched heading into pre-season testing.

Toto Wolff, meanwhile, is pleased but cautious.

“It’s always nice if your driver is the bookmakers’ favourite,” the Mercedes boss said. “George deserves that. But it’s always the best driver and the best car that wins, and we haven’t proven that yet.”

Russell, for his part, isn’t getting carried away.

“I don’t really feel anything from hearing that,” he said. “I’ve felt ready for a long time.”

Mercedes head into the season with an unchanged line-up, Russell partnered by Kimi Antonelli, while Frederik Vesti serves as reserve driver.

Two three-day tests in Bahrain follow later this month, before the season opener in Australia on March 8.

(with inputs from agencies)