Russell pinpoints Verstappen, Leclerc as main F1 title rivals
📖 Full Retelling
George Russell has pinpointed Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc as Mercedes' main title threats ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Entity Intersection Graph
No entity connections available yet for this article.
Original Source
George Russell: Mercedes driver pinpoints Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc as main F1 title rivals ahead of Australian Grand Prix Britain's George Russell is widely seen as the favourite for this year's F1 Drivers' Championship with new regulations in place; watch Friday's practice sessions for the Australian Grand Prix at 1.30am and 5am, live on Sky Sports F1 Thursday 5 March 2026 07:36, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Martin Brundle, Jenson Button, Bernie Collins & MORE answer why 2026 is the BEST year to become an F1 fan George Russell has pinpointed Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc as Mercedes' main title threats ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Russell is the bookmakers' favourite for the title and by Sky Sports F1 's pundits given Mercedes' form in pre-season testing and their dominance following the last change in the power unit regulations in 2014. Although Ferrari set the quickest lap times in Bahrain testing, Mercedes were very fast on the long runs, which are more representative, and the Silver Arrows did not appear to show their full hand over one lap. Martin Brundle's 2026 season preview | New F1 rules and racing terms explained When to watch the Australian GP live on Sky Sports F1 2026: Calendar, line-ups, new regulations, how to watch on Sky Sports Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺 Asked who he saw as Mercedes' biggest title challengers when it comes to the Drivers' Championship, Russell said to the media: "I would say Max and Leclerc." His team-mate Kimi Antonelli added: "We think Red Bull is very strong, so for sure Max is going to be in the mix. Ferrari look very strong in Bahrain, both in long runs and on a single lap, so especially Leclerc, but I wouldn't write off Lewis as well, because he can be very much in the mix. "Maybe also the McLaren, but they seem a little bit more on the back foot compared to Ferrari and Red Bull, but for sure, Max and Charles could be the main ones." P...
Read full article at source