Lando Norris, Formula 1's reigning world champion, expressed belief that George Russell will win a title soon while maintaining his own drive for the 2026 season. Speaking at McLaren's pre-season event, the 26-year-old discussed his unchanged motivation despite achieving his life goal last year. Teammate Oscar Piastri reflected on lessons from his 2025 campaign as the team prepares for new regulations.
Lando Norris is entering the 2026 Formula 1 season as the defending champion after securing McLaren's first drivers' title in 17 years with a victory in Abu Dhabi two months ago. The 26-year-old, starting his eighth season in the sport, playfully called his friend and rival George Russell the "massive favourite" for this year's championship, with bookmakers favoring the Mercedes driver ahead of the Australian Grand Prix opener on March 6-8.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Norris said: "Me and George get along well. It's not like we talk every day. But I think we have a lot of respect for each other. He shows that towards me and I completely believe he'll win a championship in the future, whether that's this year or next year, whatever it may be. I've enjoyed my battles with him, and he's a lovely guy, so I've enjoyed all of it."
At McLaren's Woking base, Norris revealed recent contact with Russell and Alex Albon, noting they played padel together. "Especially with them because we kind of came into F1 [in 2019] at the same time I think it [Norris becoming champion] has created more hunger for them. Especially for George because he's the bookies' favourite. He's a little bit giddy at the minute! That's a great thing to see."
Despite fulfilling his "life goal," Norris insisted his ambition remains intact. "As much as I say that [achieving his life goal] I don't feel any different coming into this season. I still feel like I just want to go out and win. My motivation to win is exactly the same. I've definitely not lost anything and, if anything, I think I just have more confidence."
He anticipates the top teams—McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari—will lead the 24-race season under new chassis and power-unit rules, but expects a fierce development race. McLaren, powered by Mercedes engines, aims for a third straight Constructors' Championship. Norris noted early testing showed strong pace from rivals.
Teammate Oscar Piastri, entering his fourth season, reflected on 2025, where he won seven races and led for six months but finished third behind Norris and Max Verstappen due to late troubles. "Some of them were nice lessons to learn, some of them were tougher lessons to learn," Piastri said, citing issues in Austin and Mexico. He plans tweaks in racing approach and performance management ahead of Bahrain testing on February 11-13 and 18-20.
