George Russell wants Verstappen as teammate to prove his championship readiness

George Russell believes he is ready to fight for a Formula 1 world championship and says the ultimate test would be going head-to-head with Max Verstappen as teammates. The Mercedes driver, who secured two Grand Prix victories in 2025, feels his consistent performance behind the top contenders has prepared him for a title challenge, but acknowledges his fate depends on Mercedes delivering a competitive car under the new 2026 regulations.

Why it matters:

Russell's public declaration highlights a driver at a career crossroads, confident in his own ability but reliant on his team's technical recovery. With the 2026 regulation reset approaching, his ambition underscores the high stakes for Mercedes to return to championship-winning form and provide their driver with the machinery to fulfill his potential.

The details:

• Russell stated that Verstappen is "the gold standard" and "the only driver on the grid that you'd want to be teammates with to see your competitiveness."
• He reflected on Michael Schumacher's early years at Ferrari, noting that it took five seasons before the first championship, reminding himself that success requires patience and persistence through periods of development.
• The British driver emphasized that finishing second or 20th feels fundamentally the same if you are not winning the title, a perspective shaped by his time fighting at the back with Williams.
• Russell was the only driver outside the top three in the 2025 championship (Verstappen and the two McLaren drivers) to win a race, taking victories in Canada and Singapore.

What's next:

All eyes turn to 2026, where a complete technical regulation overhaul offers Mercedes and Russell their clearest opportunity to rejoin the championship fight. Russell's readiness is not in doubt, but his championship aspirations hinge entirely on whether the Silver Arrows can master the new rules and produce a car capable of challenging for wins from the outset.