Former F1 driver David Coulthard has revealed who Max Verstappen views as his title rivals this season following a recent conversation.
There is much unknown ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season due to the new power unit regulations, with the usual top four teams all pointing the finger at one another during testing.
Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari are again expected to be the leading outfits, despite the magnitude of the new rules, but which of the four will be strongest remains unclear.
Red Bull’s new powertrain has received much praise in the paddock across the Barcelona and Bahrain tests, but Mercedes ended last week’s test with the two quickest times.
Crucially, it is not specifically the Brackley-based outfit being spoken about, but rather the strength of the German manufacturer’s engine.
In addition to Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Williams and Alpine are also powered by the Silver Arrows, with Verstappen viewing any driver with a Mercedes engine as a threat.
Asked if Russell is the title favourite, Coulthard told talkSPORT: "Well, look, I spoke to Max Verstappen a couple of days ago, and when I asked him, ‘Who are your competitors?’ he said, ‘Anyone with a Mercedes engine.’
"Well, there are four teams that have Mercedes engines: Mercedes themselves, McLaren, of course, Alpine, and Williams — with Williams looking a little bit on the back foot.
"So yeah, right now, if you had to place a bet, George Russell for world champion is probably not a bad bet — but never write off Max.
"And I was reading earlier that Ferrari have been quite good on the long runs, so maybe a newly loved-up Lewis Hamilton will rediscover his form and win his eighth world title."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on last week’s first test in Bahrain and this week’s second test at the same venue. The trio debate Max Verstappen’s criticism of the regulations and whether Formula 1 is facing an identity crisis.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Get the latest F1 news from RacingNews365 directly in your Google feed! Click on the link below and you’ll see your favourite F1 website appearing even more often. That way, you’ll never miss any news, analyses, interviews, or exclusives.
Follow RacingNews365 on GoogleMost read
In this article
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..
Join the conversation!