Mercedes driver George Russell has played down his status as the favourite for the Formula One world championship, insisting that Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will remain a major title contender this season.

Russell’s comments came after Mercedes showed promising early form during a shakedown test last week, where the W17 completed extensive mileage and appeared competitive. The team, which finished a distant second to McLaren last year, has been encouraged by the car’s early performance.

While pleased with Mercedes’ progress, Russell acknowledged that Red Bull have also made a strong impression, despite taking on the challenge of developing their own power unit following their split from Honda.

“We’ve been quite surprised by what we’ve seen from some of our rivals, especially on the Red Bull power unit side, which looks very impressive,” Russell said ahead of Mercedes’ online season launch. “We’ve had a very reliable test, but we’ll have to wait and see if the car lives up to expectations.”

Team principal Toto Wolff also welcomed the positive signs but urged caution at such an early stage.

“You wake up with more of a smile if the car is quick and the early indications are positive,” Wolff said. “At least it looks like something we can build on.”

Focused on the title challenge

British bookmakers have installed Russell as the early favourite for the championship, ahead of defending champion Lando Norris of McLaren. However, the 26-year-old said the prediction would not affect his mindset.

“I don’t really feel anything from hearing that,” Russell said. “I’ve said for a long time that I feel ready to fight for a world championship. It doesn’t change my approach at all.”

Verstappen narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive title last season, finishing just two points behind Norris. Questions remain over Red Bull’s new engine project, particularly with major regulation changes coming in 2026, but Russell believes the Dutch driver will remain a serious threat.

“It seems like the other power unit manufacturers have done a good job, and Red Bull have always had an amazing car,” he said. “Even when Mercedes were dominant, it was often the engine that held them back, not the car. And we all know how good Max is.

“I think he’s very much going to be in the fight this year. You’d like it to be easier, of course, but if you’re going to win, you want to earn it properly on track.”

Mercedes will retain an unchanged driver lineup this season, with Russell partnered by Kimi Antonelli, who is expected to take another step forward. Frederik Vesti will serve as the team’s reserve driver.

The new Formula One season gets underway in Australia on March 8.