F1 World Champion Lando Norris, McLaren, admitted in an interview with Sky Sports News that fellow Briton George Russell s not only the nations favourite title contender but also has in his eyes potential to win the World Drivers’ Championship in the near future – maybe even 2026.
“He is the massive favourite, to be honest with you. I completely agree with the bookmakers,” remarked the current World Champion.
McLaren-Mercedes Partnership powered with unity
McLaren and Mercedes have been partners for a while, between 1995 and 2014, and from 2021 onwards. As both teams have the same engine, one might assume that Mercedes’ F1 team has an advantage when it comes to understanding the power unit. Norris remained confident, explaining that regulations changes always come with a learning curve, the teams are different on their own but eventually work together.
“I think it’s hard to say that. HPP have done an incredible job with getting the engine ready. It’s a big task. When you see what goes into making a car, it’s the same level for an engine or even more. They’ve been working on this for years already. Everything takes time.
“There’s stuff that they’re going to be learning. There’s stuff that we’re going to learn. But we’re still part of the same family, the same engine supplier, and that’s a great thing for us. We work together as unity, and they’ve done an incredible job in every other regulation change when the engine has been new and refreshed and everything.
“We’re confident. We always want to have things to try and improve on and to learn on. But they’ve done a very good job with us over the last few years. We have a pleasure to work with them, and that will continue for many more years.”
McLaren and Mercedes-Benz had extended their partnership in November 2023 until 2030.
Norris vs. Russell – a British Battle in the 2026 F1 championship?
Lando Norris and George Russell joined F1 in 2019 with McLaren and Williams, as part of the Mercedes Junior Program, respectively. If it would come to a fierce battle between the two, it would be a Battle of Britain.
“We’ll see. I mean, me and George [Russell] get along well. It’s not like we talk every day, but I think we have a lot of respect for one another, I think. He shows that towards me,” Norris explained.
George Russell has developed greatly throughout the past seasons; he finished fourth in the World Drivers’ Championship last year with two Grands Prix wins and nine podiums.
There is no doubt in Norris’ mind that Russell’s talent will secure him the F1 title in the near future or maybe even in 2026.
“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.”
