With Mercedes lacking the pace of rivals Red Bull and McLaren in recent seasons, Russell has watched Max Verstappen<\/a> dominate and close friend Lando Norris<\/a> claim his maiden title.<\/p>\n But a rules regulation refresh for 2026 brings a potential change to the pecking order, with Mercedes expected to be at the front — or close to it — come the opening race in Australia on March 8.<\/p>\n “I do think he’s ready for it,” ex-F1 driver-turned-pundit Brundle said of Russell on Sky Sports.<\/p>\n “He’s a smart guy; they’re all smart guys. George has got the team around him. Kimi [Antonelli] will be stronger this year in the other car, but George is completely out of Lewis [Hamilton]’s shadow there, he’s the king of the castle at Mercedes-Benz.<\/p>\n “I think he’s got the experience, he’s got the car control, and I think he will command the respect in the team to help drive what’s going to be an incredibly changeable year.”<\/p>\n “We questioned that with Lando last year, and Oscar [Piastri] too, whether they would wilt under pressure from Max, and they didn’t.<\/p>\n “I think George is in a very good place.”<\/p>\n Brundle said there was no “clear favourite” for the championship with four teams having a strong chance, but admitted Ferrari is in a “better place than we’ve seen for a few years” and will be “strong.”<\/p>\n That’s good news for Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who comes into 2026 off the back of the most disappointing campaign of his career.<\/p>\n – F1’s predicted running order for 2026<\/a> “As Formula 1 fans, we always want Ferrari to do well, don’t we?,” Brundle added. “And I’d love to see that come right for Lewis.<\/p>\nGeorge Russell and Lewis Hamilton could both be in the title picture in 2026.\u00a0Clive Rose\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
– F1 boss: Verstappen won’t quit over new rules<\/a>
– Norris now agrees with Verstappen: ‘Not purest F1’<\/a><\/p>\n