George Russell is "ready" to fight for a first F1 world championship in the 2026 season, says Your Site F1's Martin Brundle.
As the countdown continues to next week's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, live on Your Site, Mercedes' Russell remains the bookmakers' favourite for the Drivers' Championship with the Silver Arrows having enjoyed a strong pre-season with their new W17 car.
Brundle believes there is "not a clear favourite" for the title as it stands based on the picture from testing, but Russell is among those set to fight for the crown if pre-season expectations prove accurate.
"I do think he's ready for it," says Brundle of the 28-year-old Russell, who is entering his eighth season of F1.
"He's a smart guy; they're all smart guys. George has got the team around him. Kimi [Antonelli] will be stronger this year in the other car, but George is completely out of Lewis [Hamilton]'s shadow there, he's the king of the castle at Mercedes-Benz.
"He did all those years at Williams and then he went to Mercedes when they just stopped dominating, so he's done the hard yards.
"I think he's got the experience, he's got the car control, and I think he will command the respect in the team to help drive what's going to be an incredibly changeable year."
Speaking during an appearance on Your Site News, Brundle added: "I think his team-mate Kimi Antonelli will have a great season as well, but George has got all the confidence he needs to win races and to go and win a championship, if it's available to him.
"We questioned that with Lando [Norris] last year, and Oscar [Piastri] too, whether they would wilt under pressure from Max [Verstappen], and they didn't.
"I think George is in a very good place."
Asked how Russell would handle any increased intra-Mercedes challenge from team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian entering his second year of F1, Brundle added: "Remember, [Russell] grew up in Lewis Hamilton's shadow at Mercedes, and he handled that, and eventually in the final year they were team-mates, he beat Lewis clearly.
"So, I have no doubts about him whatsoever. They're all world-class drivers in F1, you've got to beat them somehow.
"I think George has got so much experience now despite not being 30 yet, that I don't think anything will distract him if he's got a championship-winning car."
While Mercedes may be favourites for both titles heading into the 24-race campaign, Brundle believes they will face a challenge from all three of their established rivals on the evidence of the three winter tests.
"I see Ferrari being strong, I see both Ferrari drivers being strong," said Brundle.
"I think both McLaren drivers will be strong as well. Oscar will come back on a mission after what he learned last year; Lando, I don't think I've ever seen him yet not with that big grin on his face so far this year, he's just got that comfort now.
"The Red Bull looks really strong, and we know how Max's car control, which you'll need with these cars, will be incredible.
"So, for me, there's not a clear favourite."
Watch every race of the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Your Site, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8.
