PADDOCK INSIDER: Why Russell has an air of confidence ahead of the new season as he targets 2026 title

F1.com's Lawrence Barretto chats with Mercedes' George Russell ahead of the 2026 season, with the Silver Arrows believing they are back on track.

Mar 05, 2026 2:55pm UTC

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto

George Russell cuts a very relaxed figure as he sits down on our interviewee chair on the terrace of the Mercedes AMG hospitality unit at Albert Park's Turn 10, ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The Mercedes racer, competing in his eighth season in Formula 1 and fifth with the Silver Arrows, has been labelled by many as favourite for the title.

While the 28-year-old hasn't got involved in such chat, there's something about him that gives off a sense of confidence that he's in the fight this year.