George Russell has expressed his desire to compete against Max Verstappen in 2026. According to the British driver, the Dutchman is currently the ‘gold standard’ in Formula 1, making him the perfect benchmark for other drivers to gauge their competitiveness. Russell also reiterates his championship ambitions, stating, ‘I’m ready.’
George Russell concluded the 2025 season in fourth place in the championship. In addition, the Briton stood on the top step of the podium twice. Russell was thus the consistent ‘best of the rest’ behind the title fight between Max Verstappen and the McLaren drivers. However, the Mercedes driver is hoping for more in 2026 when the new regulations come into effect. Russell wants to become a serious title contender.
“I’m confident that I can compete with the top drivers,” Russell tells the media. The driver also has one particular competitor in mind whom he would most like to race against. “Max is clearly the gold standard at the moment. I think he’s the one I’d like to take on. He’s the only driver on the grid you’d want to be teammates with to see how competitive you really are.”
Title Ambitions
Russell equaled his best result for a driver’s championship with his fourth place – he also finished fourth as a Mercedes driver in 2022 – but the Brit does not feel a sense of pride. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter much to me whether I finish second in the championship or twentieth. You just don’t win. When I was driving for Williams, I was at the back every weekend, which was very frustrating, but now I’m in the same situation and I’m still not fighting for the championship.”
Russell made the switch to Mercedes in 2022, just as the Silver Arrows were no longer competitive due to the introduction of a new regulation. In 2026, Mercedes also starts afresh. “I’m ready now (to fight for the championship), but I know I need to be patient,” concludes the Brit.
