The McLaren world champion compared his compatriot Russell, tipped by many to be the favourite for the 2026 title, with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, claiming the Mercedes man is "certainly up there in terms of intelligence."

Perhaps more now than ever before with the huge 2026 reset of regulations, rivals up and down the grid have been accused of playing games, or 'sandbagging,' and hiding performance in the build up to this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, with many eyes on Mercedes in particular.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Norris said he "thinks a lot" of his friend Russell, but did not hesitate to say he thinks the Silver Arrows driver plays into a "good guy" persona.

Norris said: “George always knows what he’s doing. He tries to look [like] the good guy, but he’ll do what he needs to do, in a sneaky way at times. But I think a lot of him.

“He is a very, very good driver. He’ll play the game whenever he has to play the game. I mean, he’s smart. He sometimes tries to come across like he’s not.

Norris was asked who he thought is the "sneakiest" driver on the F1 grid, but instead of pointing too many fingers, the 26-year-old decided to praise Russell alongside multiple world champions Hamilton and Verstappen.

“I don’t know who is the sneakiest driver. George is just a smart driver. George, Max, and Lewis, as well. One is a seven-time world champion, one is Max, and George is certainly up there in terms of intelligence.

“He is always switched on, which is a strength. There is always a reason to put your car here or there, or to do this or that. They are not clumsy drivers. They are clever like that," Norris concluded.

Meanwhile, both Norris and McLaren have been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards 2026, after their double Drivers and Constructors' victory last year.

Norris has been put forward for the World Breakthrough of the Year award, while his team are in the running for World Team of the Year award.