Photo: Race Pictures

Pundit backs Russell not to be distracted by Verstappen pressure in quest for F1 title

15:01, 28 Feb

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byKada Sarkozi

Martin Brundle believes George Russell is more than capable of winning his first world title this season.

"I don't think anything will distract him if he's got a championship-winning car."

- Martin Brundle

The Mercedes driver is the bookmakers' favourite ahead of the upcoming Formula 1 season in front of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton.

"I think he's got the experience, he's got the car control, and I think he will command the respect in the team to help drive what's going to be an incredibly changeable year," the former F1 driver said on Sky Sports.

"We questioned that with Lando [Norris] last year, and Oscar [Piastri] too, whether they would wilt under pressure from Max [Verstappen], and they didn’t. I think George is in a very good place."

Martin Brundle - Photo: Race Pictures.

Russell's advantage

Brundle also highlighted that the years Russell spent as Lewis Hamilton's teammate can pay off.

"He grew up in Lewis Hamilton's shadow at Mercedes, and he handled that, and eventually in the final year they were teammates, he beat Lewis clearly. So, I have no doubts about him whatsoever.

"I think George has got so much experience now despite not being 30 yet, that I don't think anything will distract him if he's got a championship-winning car," Brundle concluded.

The Sky Sports pundit also believes Hamilton has a chance to bounce back this season with Ferrari in 2026. Read more about that here!