“George Russell exudes a calm sense of confidence as he heads into what could be a defining year.”

For seven years, Russell has been a driver waiting for the right car, and he might get it this year. This year’s new rules have given Mercedes a chance to reset things, and the indication so far is that they have done a much better job than last time.

The feeling on the circuit leaving testing last month was that Mercedes and Ferrari were the two teams in the best form, with Red Bull and McLaren potentially a little behind in a relatively identical top four more than a second clear of everyone else.

Russell feels confident enough in Mercedes’ potential to say he “thinks we’ve delivered a very strong car” but is concerned about the performance of the new Red Bull engine.

However, his sights are set high. “I want to come face to face with Max,” he says. “And obviously Lando had a great season last year.”

As it stands, before Melbourne gives its first glimpse of a truly competitive system, Russell’s obvious potential rivals this year are Verstappen, Norris, Piastri and Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Hamilton, if the seven-time champion can rediscover the magic he seemed to have lost last year, and to some extent in 2024.

Of Russell’s 19-year-old teammate Kimi Antonelli, who is entering his second season after making his debut in 2025, Wolff says: “I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a good year for him, but I don’t think we should expect him to be like George all the time.”

Russell is a good friend of world champion Norris and Leclerc. The three came through the junior ranks together and they all believe that the intense competition they provided each other, along with Williams’ Alex Albon, was an important factor in them all reaching Formula 1, as it forced each to continue raising their own standards to keep up with the others.

But perhaps it is the battle with Verstappen that whets the appetite most.