Norris backs Russell for F1 title but vows to defend his own crown in 2026

Reigning world champion Lando Norris believes his long-time rival George Russell is a deserving favorite for the 2026 title, but the McLaren driver insists his own hunger to win again remains undiminished as he prepares to defend his crown. Norris, who ended McLaren's 17-year drivers' title drought last season, enters the new regulatory era with the top four teams expected to battle closely from the start.

Why it matters:

Norris's mindset highlights the psychological shift that comes with achieving a lifelong goal. His respect for Russell, now the bookmakers' favorite with Mercedes tipped for a strong start to the new rules, sets the stage for a compelling intra-generational rivalry. How a champion manages satisfaction versus renewed ambition is a key narrative as F1 enters its next chapter.

The details:

• Norris playfully labeled Russell the "massive favourite" for the 2026 title, stating he "completely believes" the Mercedes driver will win a championship in the future. The pair, along with Alex Albon, entered F1 together in 2019, a shared history Norris says has created "more hunger" in them.
• Despite calling his 2025 title a "life goal," Norris insists his motivation is unchanged. "I still feel like I just want to go out and win," he said, acknowledging he operates with a different mentality than serial champions like Max Verstappen but now with added confidence from having proven he can do it.
• On the competitive order, Norris expects the established top four—McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari—to lead the pack, but predicts a fierce development race that could allow others to challenge. He expressed confidence in McLaren's ability to produce a competitive car for the new regulations, targeting a third consecutive constructors' title.
• Teammate Oscar Piastri reflected on a 2025 season of highs and "painful" lows, having led the standings for six months before finishing third. He emphasized learning technical and driving lessons from the latter part of the season to manage future challenges better alongside the team.

What's next:

All eyes turn to pre-season testing, with the first official track running in Barcelona. The true competitive picture for the new era will begin to crystallize there, ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8. Norris vs. Russell, and McLaren's defense against a resurgent Mercedes, will be immediate storylines to watch.