F1 Today | Hamilton backed by former champion as Russell announces engagement

Former two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi would like to see Lewis Hamilton battle for the Formula 1 world title this year.

Entering the second half of the 2026 F1 season, Hamilton is sitting in second place in the drivers' standings. The British driver is 50 points behind Kimi Antonelli and nine points ahead of the Italian's Mercedes teammate, George Russell.

Hamilton has enjoyed a much improved season after a difficult 2025, winning his first race for Ferrari at the Barcelona Grand Prix.

Speaking to F1.com, the Brazilian said: "I really hope Lewis challenges for the championship. It’d be extremely good to see Lewis and Ferrari running stronger, to dice with Mercedes. I hope so."

George Russell has announced his engagement to partner Carmen Mundt, with the Mercedes driver sharing the news with his followers on social media.

Russell posted a series of photographs of himself and Mundt, including a picture of his partner showing off her engagement ring. The announcement quickly attracted attention from across the F1 paddock, with several of Russell's rivals and Mercedes congratulating the couple.

The Mercedes driver, 28, and Mundt have been together since 2020 after meeting through a mutual friend in London. Mundt has since become a familiar face in the F1 paddock, regularly supporting Russell at races around the world.

Russell's post racked up likes from some of his F1 rivals, including Charles Leclerc, who himself married his partner, Alexandra Saint Mieux, back in February of this year. Pierre Gasly wrote "congrats to you both," while the Instagram account of the Mercedes team also congratulated him.