F1 legend Patrese picks Verstappen for 2026 title, despite Russell's betting odds

Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese has predicted Max Verstappen will win the 2026 drivers' championship, citing the Red Bull driver's adaptability and simulator work as key advantages under the new regulations. This prediction comes despite early bookmaker odds listing Mercedes' George Russell as the current favorite for the title.

Why it matters:

Predictions for the 2026 season carry significant weight as teams and drivers prepare for a major regulatory overhaul. A legend's endorsement highlights which skills are perceived as most valuable for the new era, focusing on technical adaptability over pure speed. It also sets up an intriguing narrative between established dominance and emerging contenders.

The details:

• Patrese's Verdict: The former Williams driver explicitly stated, "It will be Verstappen who wins the title," pointing to Verstappen's comfort within his team environment and relentless work in the simulator as decisive factors.
• The Key Skill: Patrese emphasized that Verstappen is "the driver who is most ready to adapt to the new rules," a crucial asset for 2026. He noted this is a trait shared by the new generation of drivers, but that Verstappen executes it at the highest level.
• The Betting Contradiction: Early bookmaker odds present a contrasting view, currently positioning George Russell as the statistical favorite for the 2026 championship, adding a layer of intrigue to Patrese's personal assessment.
• Russell's Ambition: Separately, Russell has openly expressed his readiness and desire to fight for a championship, specifically relishing the prospect of a head-to-head battle with a rival like Verstappen.

What's next:

The road to 2026 will be defined by development cycles and preseason testing. While Patrese's prediction favors Verstappen's proven methodical approach, Russell's position as the betting favorite reflects confidence in Mercedes' potential under the new rules. All eyes will be on whether Red Bull can provide Verstappen with a title-contending car from the start of the new era, or if Mercedes—and Russell—can capitalize on the regulatory reset to change the competitive order.