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| Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images |
With the new F1 season now just weeks away, Lando Norris is looking to defend his F1 title for the very first time, but he is expected to face some stern competition from Mercedes’ George Russell.
Ever since making their F1 debuts together in 2019, both Lando Norris and George Russell have shown that the future of British drivers in the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport is in good hands.
They have cemented themselves as two of the best drivers on the grid, with Norris claiming a maiden world title with McLaren in the most recent term.
On the other hand, the Mercedes driver hasn’t quite reached the same heights as his compatriot yet, but Russell is expected to win at least one title before he calls it a day in the cockpit of an F1 car.
Lando Norris gave a sarcastic response after being told George Russell is the favourite in 2026
With one week of pre-season testing now out of the way, Mercedes appears to have a relatively strong package at the early stages of F1’s new regulations.
Now, that could all change by the time the grid hits the track in Melbourne at the start of March, but it’s impossible to rule out the Silver Arrows as a genuine title contender in the upcoming campaign.
Martin Brundle believes Russell will fancy his chances of securing a maiden title this season, and according to Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater, the British driver is the ‘bookmaker’s favourite’.
When asked for his thoughts on this by Slater during an interview at McLaren’s Woking-based headquarters, Norris couldn’t help but laugh.
He sarcastically responded to the journalist with, “He is the massive favourite, to be honest with you. I completely agree with the bookmakers.”
Mercedes are regarded as the benchmark in the upcoming season largely due to their impressive reliability at last week’s shakedown in Barcelona.
Between Kimi Antonelli and Russell, the new W17 clocked in the most mileage out of any team on the grid.
The Briton also led his rivals in the overall lap count, completing a whopping 265 laps from just a day and a half inside the cockpit.
Lando Norris also detailed how an F1 title fight with George Russell would impact their friendship
Norris and Russell have shared an amicable relationship throughout their respective careers, from the rivalry they shared as they both climbed the single-seater ladder.
The reigning world champion was also asked how their friendship would deal with them both going head to head for a title by Slater.
Norris replied, “We’ll see. I mean, you know, me and George 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, and I completely believe he’ll win a championship in the future. So 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.”
- Ashley Hambly
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