Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is hoping the bookmakers who have made George Russell favourite for this season's F1 title are proven correct, although he has delivered a stark warning.
Russell has emerged as the frontrunner with many leading outlets following Mercedes' performance in last week's five-day private shakedown at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.
Between Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the team completed a leading 502 trouble-free laps, whilst Russell was the second quickest driver behind Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, albeit with little to be read into the times, given the circumstances.
The British driver, however, is as lowly priced as 2/1 with some bookmakers, ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, after a positive test for the four-time F1 champion and Red Bull Powertrains ahead of its inaugural season in powering the team.
"It's always nice if your driver is the favourite with the bookmakers, and I think he deserves it because he's one of the best," said Wolff, speaking to selected media, including RacingNews365.
"He's shown us where the performance of the car is, and overall, he's been more than great to us."
Sounding a word of caution, however, Wolff added: "But even then, it is always the best driver and best car that wins, and we haven't yet proven that we have a package that is good enough.
"We haven't been in the war in the hot [conditions] in Bahrain with the abrasive Tarmac, which is always tricky for us.
"So, I hope the bookmakers are right, but I will believe it when we have seen performances that confirm that."
Russell to 'take advantage'
Russell, meanwhile, is unconcerned that such a tag has been placed upon him.
Informed of his position as favourite, speaking to select media, including RacingNews365, Russell said: "I don't really feel anything from hearing that, to be honest.
"As I've said for a long time, I feel ready to fight for a world championship, and whether we have that comment above us or not, that does not change my approach one single bit.
"I'm working so hard with the team. Everybody here has been working flat out to really maximise this new set of regulations, and I'm honestly just so excited by the challenge.
"Because it is a huge challenge, adapting to these new cars, how the energy management works, the reharvesting of the batteries, getting your head around the boost system, the overtake modes, the active aero.
"There are a lot of things we need to learn very quickly, but I feel I can take advantage of that, and I feel confident with myself and my team."
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