Vettel throws full support behind this F1 driver in daring 2026 title bid

08:01, 26 Feb

byTobia Elia

Sebastian Vettel has firmly backed George Russell as his favourite to win the drivers’ title in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

“I would pick George, because I consider him very intelligent, because I know how hard he works on himself”

- Sebastian Vettel

Vettel throws full support behind Russell in 2026

Speaking on ServusTV, the four-time world champion said he believes the Briton and Mercedes are the leading contenders for this year’s title, while acknowledging that several other teams and drivers on the grid remain equally strong challengers.

“On the one hand, based on what can be seen so far, it is probably not a bad choice to tip Mercedes, but quite deliberately, McLaren also runs Mercedes engines, and they have not done a bad job in recent years.

“I would pick George, because I consider him very intelligent, because I know how hard he works on himself. I think he is smart enough to understand what he personally can contribute as a driver to make the difference.

“There are several drivers in the field who can do that, but in the current situation my gut feeling would be that George, together with Mercedes, will succeed best this year.”

Photo: Race Pictures

Ecclestone lays out crucial condition for Russell’s 2026 championship bid

The former Formula 1 supremo suggested Mercedes could hold an advantage over its rivals heading into the 2026 season, while emphasising that Russell will need to demonstrate a true killer instinct across the full campaign if he wants to secure the drivers’ crown.

Speaking to Sport.de, Ecclestone argued that Mercedes appears well positioned competitively and believes Russell has the talent required to fight for the title, adding that any team powered by Mercedes engines could have a strong shot at winning the championship.

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