While awaiting the return of Formula 1 cars to the track, George Russell has once again spoken about Mercedes’ performance and the ongoing title fight. The British driver, alongside rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli, is considered among the early favourites in some discussions, and he was recently asked whether he feels he has better chances than his teammate to fight for the championship.
His answer was immediate and very clear: “No, not at all, to be honest. It’s a very long season and no championship has ever been won after three races. For me, it is always important to maximise results,” George Russell admitted.
After a strong performance in Australia, Russell experienced a setback in qualifying in China, followed by a more complicated race in Japan. However, the season is still in its early stages, and there will be plenty of time to discuss numbers, standings, and realistic chances in the fight for the world title.
“I am not leading the championship, but I have to be honest, considering the circumstances of the last two races, I think I maximised my results, and that is all I could do,” he added.
He then expanded on what could have been in Japan: “If things had gone slightly differently in Suzuka, I think I could have won that race. If there had been no safety car, I believe I would have finished second, behind Oscar Piastri. But again, at the moment I am not really looking at the standings. We are in a championship full of changes and new variables, anything can happen,” George Russell concluded.
In summary, George Russell is maintaining a grounded approach to the 2026 title fight, prioritizing consistency over early-season predictions. By focusing on maximizing every point available to the W17, Russell understands that the fluctuating pecking order between Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull means the championship is far from decided. His refusal to label himself a favorite highlights the strategic patience required in a record-breaking F1 calendar.
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