Two standout contenders named for 2026 title fight: 'I will say two names'

According to the Spaniard, those two drivers are George Russell and Max Verstappen, both of whom he tipped as strong contenders for the title.

“I’ll say two names, okay? Can I say two names? George Russell or Max Verstappen,” said the Williams driver while appearing on the Beyond The Grid podcast.

The Spaniard did not elaborate further on why he singled out those two names, although Russell has for months been regarded — together with Mercedes — as one of the leading contenders.

Verstappen, instead, heads into the 2026 season as the reigning runner-up after missing out on a fifth consecutive world title by just two points to Lando Norris, who will carry the number 1 on his helmet and McLaren this year.

Martin Brundle also believes Russell has everything it takes to win his first world title this season. The former F1 driver pointed out that Russell now has the experience, the car control and the authority within the team to guide Mercedes through what he expects to be an extremely unpredictable season.

Brundle also drew comparisons with the doubts that surrounded Norris and Piastri last year, when many wondered whether they would crack under pressure from Verstappen. In the end, however, both drivers proved capable of handling the challenge, something Brundle believes Russell is equally well equipped to do.