George Russell pinned as title favourite: 'He's ready to be world champion'

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has pinned George Russell as the favourite for the 2026 drivers’ title, believing that the Briton is "ready to be world champion".

Following his move to Mercedes in 2022, the upcoming campaign — and the start of the new power unit regulations — represents Russell’s best chance yet at a world title.

Mercedes is heavily tipped to be the initial team to beat, following its very successful running in Barcelona last week and its dominance the last time F1’s engines changed.

The Silver Arrows won eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021 after the turbo-hybrid power unit was introduced, convincing many that it will fly out of the blocks this year.

A staggering 502 laps were completed during the five-day Barcelona test by the Brackley-based outfit, with Chandhok backing Mercedes and Russell heading into the season.

Asked on talkSPORT if Russell is the title favourite, Chandhok replied: "Yes, I believe he’s the favourite, in my book anyway, for the world championship. 

"Because we’ve got this big rule change, I think having a team where the engine power unit side and the chassis side are so integrated will be key to success.

"Now, Ferrari and Mercedes are the two teams that have that, along with Red Bull and Audi. But Red Bull and Audi are brand-new power unit companies, so I think you have to cut them a bit of slack and give them some time.

"But I think Mercedes and Ferrari, with that integrated structure, have got to have an advantage at the beginning of a rule cycle. So, to me, George Russell — in my opinion — was the second-best driver in F1 last year after Max Verstappen. He had an outstanding season.

"I think he’s ready to be a championship contender if the car’s capable of it. I think he’s ready to be world champion."