Lando Norris Brands George Russell as “Massive Favourite” to Win 2026 F1 Championship

The first race of the 2026 season is right around the corner, with all teams preparing for the upcoming pre-season test. Mercedes is reportedly leading development over the rivals, as George Russell remains people’s favorite to win the championship in the coming season. Now, even reigning F1 champion Lando Norris bets on the Silver Arrow to win the title under the new regulations.

George Russell remained the bookmaker’s favorite to win the F1 championship in the 2026 season alongside Max Verstappen. The Briton assured that his approach to the title fight remained unchanged despite the people’s faith in him. Now, with positive indicators early on, Russell will certainly give it his all over the season to maximize his chances of winning his maiden F1 title.

Speaking about George Russell’s chances of winning the championship in the upcoming season, Lando Norris asserted that the former was a “massive favorite”. Norris reassured that he had a great relationship with Russell, though the two did not talk to each other every day. Still, the one-time champion insisted that they held great respect for one another.

Me and George get along well. It’s not like we talk every day. But I think we have a lot of respect for each other.

Lando Norris told Sky Sports.

Further, Lando Norris declared that he had full faith in George Russell to win the championship in the near future. Norris reckoned that the title win could come as soon as the 2026 season or the one right after it. However, Russell was certainly on the trajectory to lift the championship trophy in his career. Moreover, the reigning world champion noted that he enjoyed all battles with the Silver Arrow on track and thus labeled the latter a ‘lovely guy’.

He shows that towards me and I completely believe he’ll win a championship in the future, whether that’s this year or next year, whatever it may be. I’ve enjoyed my battles with him, and he’s a lovely guy, so I’ve enjoyed all of it.

Lando Norris added.

Lando Norris reveals his ‘different mentality’ from Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen was the prime competitor to Lando Norris throughout the 2025 season for the title battle. Verstappen lost out on the title by a mere two-point deficit to Norris. Despite almost losing the championship, Norris did not doubt his capabilities and gave it his all on the track. Now, the 26-year-old opens up on the difference in mentality between him and the Dutchman.

Lando Norris insisted that it was quite clear that he had a different mentality and approach to racing than Max Verstappen had. The Briton believed that it was up to the people to decide whether it was good or bad. The 2025 F1 champion asserted that there were many things he admired in the 28-year-old and wished to have success like his in Formula 1.

I think it’s quite clear that I have a different mentality and a different approach to, say, what Max has. Good or bad, you decide! There’s a lot of things that I still admire in Max and I wish I had a little bit more of that here and there. I’m always trying to improve on my things. I know there’s still areas that I’m not at the level I need to be.

Lando Norris noted.

The 2026 season will witness a completely new challenge for the teams and drivers on track because of the new regulations. Mercedes seems to have the upper hand, and George Russell will try his best to take advantage of the situation. Meanwhile, the rivals will work on their development and ensure that they do not make life any easier for Russell on the track. It will be interesting to witness how the Silver Arrow fares against the massive hopes set on him.

Read More: Toto Wolff Cautions Against Overconfidence After George Russell Named Championship Favorite

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