Norris backs 'giddy driver' to win world championship

The 2025 drivers’ champion, who spoke to a select group of media, including GPblog, during a pre-season event at McLaren’s team base, praised Russell’s potential and highlighted the mutual respect they share.

"George and I get along well. It's not like we talk every day, but I think we have a lot of respect for each other. He shows that towards me, and I completely believe he'll win a championship in the future – whether that's this year, next year, or whenever it may be. I've enjoyed my battles with him, and he's a lovely guy, so I've enjoyed all of it,” Norris said.

Quizzed about how his relationships with other drivers have been since winning the 2025 drivers’ title, Norris stated he has been in contact with Alex Albon and Russell. He noted that his championship success has sparked a renewed hunger among his peers – particularly Russell, whom he described as “giddy.”

"I spoke to Alex and George the other day, mainly because we played padel together. Especially with them, because we kind of came into F1 [in 2019] at the same time, I think becoming champion has created more hunger for them,” he said.

"Especially for George, because he's the bookies' favourite. He's a little bit giddy at the minute! That's a great thing to see,” Norris concluded.

According to the early season odds, Russell is the firm favourite to win the 2026 drivers’ title. The bookmakers also have the Mercedes team as the favourite for the constructors’ championship.

Norris also expects to see more chaotic races through the commencement of F1’s new regulations.

The McLaren driver highlighted the energy deployment required of the new generation cars to raise concerns, particularly the disparity in speed, as drivers choose to deploy energy at different points around the track.