F1 Insider Picks George Russell Over Max Verstappen As 2026 Title Favorite

The beginning of the 2026 season is right around the corner. The new regulations mean that all the teams will start afresh over the year and face stiff challenges in coming out on top. However, Mercedes is already rumored to be at the forefront of development. As such, former F1 driver Karun Chandhok reckons that he will put his money on George Russell winning the 2026 title over Max Verstappen.

Red Bull will develop their own power units in collaboration with Ford, as Mercedes continues to remain an engine works team for quite some time. The German carmaker has a massive benefit heading into the next season, and the team is already developing the engine quite well. Many people believe that the 2026 season could witness a Mercedes-powered champion.

Even Karun Chandhok resonates with these claims and believes that George Russell might be the favorite to win the title, even above Max Verstappen. The Briton has been in the sport for seven years now, without even contending for the title once in his career. However, the 2026 season might finally be his year, as all the factors are certainly pointing towards it.

Karun Chandhok claimed that George Russell was his pick as the championship favorite for the 2026 season. The Indian revealed how there was a lot of talk in the paddock about ‘systems’. Out of the four engine works teams, Chandhok highlighted that Audi and Red Bull were excused as they were newbies. However, Mercedes and Ferrari had no excuse as they were works teams for so long in Formula 1.

He [Russell] is my championship favourite, What we’re hearing from a lot of the drivers is the word ‘systems’. This year, having a team from a chassis and power unit side as an integrated operation – which really, it’s Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari [and Red Bull] – there are now four. Two of them have the excuse of being newbies, Audi and Red Bull. For Ferrari and Mercedes, there are no real excuses, because they are the works teams.

Karun Chandhok told Sky Sports F1.

Karun Chandhok reveals Mercedes’ ‘advantage’ in collaboration with McLaren

Mercedes will also provide their power unit to McLaren, who is enjoying a highly dominant performance in recent years. As such, Woking’s success will directly contribute to the German carmaker’s pace in the new regulations. Hence, Karun Chandhok revealed the double advantage for Brackley following their partnership with the Papaya Squad for the upcoming regulations as well.

Karun Chandhok reckoned that both McLaren and Mercedes talking to one another and sharing development would be of great advantage for both teams. In the early stage of regulations, development was key, and the teams needed to get as much information on the power unit as possible. Because of these factors, George Russell was certainly the favorite to win the title in the coming season.

And although, in terms of hardware, by regulation, McLaren and the other customers have to get the same power units as the works Mercedes team, I just think having both sides talking to each other so much more in an integrated way has to be an advantage in the early stage of this power unit regulation, For me, that puts George as the favourite for the season.

Karun Chandhok noted.

The 2026 season will be a massive challenge for all the teams on the grid, Mercedes included. Though the team is ahead in development, they will still face challenges from the rivals. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will give it their all on track and hope to achieve the best results possible from the get-go and keep up with the positive momentum built early on.

Continue Reading: Christian Horner Declares He Has “Unfinished Business” Amidst F1 Return Rumors

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