Heading into the current F1 campaign, George Russell would have had grand designs of a straightforward and unencumbered route to his first drivers' championship.
It would by no means be easy, as triumphing in Formula 1 rarely is, but if compatriot Lando Norris was favourite for the crown heading into the season before, this time around the title was being considered most certainly Russell's to lose.
READ MORE: Exclusive: George Russell shares 'clear' verdict over recent F1 struggles
Max Verstappen discloses 'big priority' for Red Bull
Max Verstappen has outlined Red Bull's most pressing issue heading into the summer break, revealing that the RB22's tendency to lose performance over a grand prix weekend is a "big priority" for the team to resolve.
The four-time F1 drivers' champion salvaged second place at the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend despite a torrid qualifying session, but his frustration with Red Bull's competitiveness was laid bare in his post-race comments.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen discloses 'big priority' for Red Bull
Why George Russell faces the biggest F1 test of his career
It was supposed to be his year.
George Russell headed into 2026 as the bookmakers' favourite for the world championship, tipped by former drivers, rival competitors and pundits alike as the man poised to finally convert his undoubted potential into a maiden title.
READ MORE: Why George Russell faces the biggest F1 test of his career
Charles Leclerc sends 'a lot worse' warning over new F1 complexities
Charles Leclerc has highlighted how the complexity of the new F1 regulations means that drivers can no longer simply look at the data and identify how to go faster.
The peculiarities of the revised power unit rules have proven challenging for the field to adapt to, with some faring better than others.
READ MORE: Charles Leclerc sends 'a lot worse' warning over new F1 complexities
Extraordinary Red Bull record handed unbreakable verdict
Red Bull's streak of 15 consecutive grand prix victories, set across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, stands as one of the most formidable records in Formula 1 history.
And according to RacingNews365 readers, it is a record that will stand the test of time.
READ MORE: Extraordinary Red Bull record handed unbreakable verdict
Which team has suffered the biggest 2026 downfall?
The 2026 regulations were supposed to reset the competitive order, but for Aston Martin and Williams, the new era has brought nothing but misery, two teams trending sharply in the wrong direction after genuine progress in recent seasons.
Aston Martin's plight has been the more dramatic. A team that finished fifth in the constructors' championship in both 2023 and 2024, with 280 and 94 points respectively, now sits 10th with a solitary point to their name.
READ MORE: Which team has suffered the biggest 2026 downfall?
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