George Russell says he is able to battle for the 2026 F1 Drivers’ Championship and is especially eager to tackle Max Verstappen.
Mercedes are trying more and more prone to be the staff to beat this yr after a massively profitable preliminary check session in Barcelona final week.
The Silver Arrows clocked essentially the most mileage in comparison with its rivals, clocking up a formidable whole of 502 laps over 5 days of testing.
Max Verstappen and George Russell on the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona
However Russell additionally sought to mood expectations, insisting it was too early to inform whether or not Mercedes had produced a championship-contending package deal this yr.
Nonetheless, the five-time Grand Prix winner backed up his feedback claiming he’s additionally very prepared for a title battle and want to face Max Verstappen.
Talking to the media at Mercedes’ 2026 official launch occasion, Russell stated: “I really feel able to battle for the world championship. No matter whether or not that remark is made or not, my strategy will not change one bit.”
“I’d like to play towards Max and clearly Lando had an incredible season final yr.”
“I feel followers and other people have been most likely anticipating it to be probably Mercedes versus McLaren as a result of there was loads of expectation that Mercedes clearly has the very best energy unit.”
“However the different energy unit producers appear to have executed a very good job and we all know that Purple Bull has all the time produced nice automobiles, regardless of the dominance of Mercedes over time. It wasn’t their automobiles that allow them down, it was their engines.”
“It is too early to inform.”
The British driver, who’s in his sixth season with Mercedes, hinted on Monday that there have been early indicators of hope within the package deal, but additionally stated many producers regarded promising this yr.
“Properly, clearly we have solely been driving the automobile for 3 days,” he stated.
“However within the phrases of Toto (Wolf), it does not appear like crap, which is a bonus. And to be trustworthy, in these early days you’ll be able to inform when it may be a very dangerous automobile and you may spotlight these damaging factors early on.”
“We do not consider it’s. However is it the automobile to provide a world championship? It is too early to say.”
“There was additionally speak that Purple Bull’s energy unit was less than the requirements of the primary yr.
“From what I’ve seen up to now, they’ve positively delivered. The Ferrari energy unit appears dependable.”
“They did loads of laps throughout testing, and Haas did loads of laps as nicely with the Ferrari engine.
“The reality is we could have a very good battle forward of us, however we’re pleased with the outcomes up to now.”
