Four‑time world champion Sebastian Vettel believes George Russell will claim his first Formula 1 title this year. The German star has spoken about the top class only rarely since leaving Formula 1 in 2022, but in a new interview he still cast an eye over the coming season. That places Vettel alongside the bookmakers, naming Russell as the title favourite.
Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ServusTV, Sebastian Vettel was asked about the new F1 season. In a few weeks the drivers will take to the track for the first time at the season opener in Melbourne. Even after the first tests, many question marks remain over the competitiveness of the different teams and over how the sweeping new regulations will work in practice. However, according to Vettel, one driver has so far looked stronger than the rest.
‘Russell is smart enough’
“I think George Russell will win the title with Mercedes,” Vettel replied when asked to make a prediction for 2026. Does the German know something we don’t? “No, not that, but I think it comes down to two things,” he explained. “On the one hand, with the information we have now, it’s a safe bet to back Mercedes. McLaren, of course, also runs a Mercedes power unit and they’ve done excellent work there in recent years. But I’d still put my money on George; he’s very smart and he’s been working hard on himself lately.”
Russell has already said during the test days that he feels ready for a title fight. He wants to line up against rival Max Verstappen, who experts still regard as the strongest driver on the grid. The 28‑year‑old Englishman has also hinted repeatedly that he’s happy with the new regulations and that he quickly mastered the complex energy‑management system. “I think George is smart enough to see where he can make the difference as a driver,” Vettel added. “There are a few on the grid who can do that, but I think George – with the help of Mercedes – will make his move this year.”
