Is Russell Still the Favorite?

George Russell entered the 2026 season as the main title favorite, but his teammate’s recent success has raised new questions.

While Russell won the opening race in Australia, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli has since taken two victories in China and Japan.

Experts argue that Russell’s eight years of experience will be crucial in a long championship fight against a rookie.

Antonelli has shown incredible speed but still makes minor mistakes, such as crashes and inconsistent race starts.

Some believe Russell has also been unlucky, facing mechanical issues and poorly timed safety cars in recent rounds.

The battle between the two Mercedes drivers is expected to be the main highlight of the season as they share the best car.

However, rivals from McLaren and Ferrari are catching up fast, meaning neither Mercedes driver can afford a single mistake.