F1 fans are all making the same prediction as George Russell signs new Mercedes contract

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George Russell has finally put pen to paper on a new contract with Mercedes after months of negotiations.

Russell has signed a multi-year deal with the Brackley outfit that takes him past at least 2026. The Brit had been pushing for a long-term extension, but Mercedes’ interest in Max Verstappen delayed the negotiations.

Toto Wolff has had numerous discussions with the four-time champion, but Verstappen ultimately committed to Red Bull for 2026. Subsequently, Russell has finally agreed a new contract with the Silver Arrows, with teammate Kimi Antonelli also signing a long-term deal.

Russell is now earning more than Lando Norris at McLaren, with him signing a £30m-a-year contract. The 27-year-old wanted to be on the same level as his fellow compatriot.

It would be difficult to argue that the 27-year-old would not be deserving of a new deal with Mercedes. His stock has never been higher as he sits fourth in the standings with two wins and eight podiums.

F1 fans back George Russell to win the 2026 championship after signing new Mercedes deal

With Russell confirmed for 2026 at the very least, the excitement is building further for next season and the new technical regulations. F1 fans believe that the Brit could win the championship as they reacted to his announcement on X (formerly Twitter).

“Russell 2026 WDC confirmed,” wrote one fan, while another said: “GEORGE RUSSELL WDC 2026.” A third user echoed the prediction as they said: “Russell 2026 world champion.”

“Now I can see Russell world champion with Mercedes next year,” wrote another fan. One felt that the Brackley outfit have their hands on the best talent on the grid: “W for Mercedes. George Russell is the best driver on the grid right now.”

Finally, another user said: “George can win the WC in 2026, mark it. bro’s the most underrated driver of the grid.” Martin Brundle agrees that Russell is F1’s most underrated driver, labelling his performances as ‘extraordinary’.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

George Russell has a great chance for the 2026 F1 title amid rumours about Mercedes’ power unit

These F1 fans’ predictions may not be too far off come the end of next year. Many figures in the paddock believe that Mercedes have the strongest power unit in 2026.

The new technical regulations are set to shake up the pecking order next season. Truthfully, no one knows where the teams are until they take to the track, but early indications suggest that Mercedes are the manufacturer on top.

Mercedes staff have tried to downplay their advantage amid rumours that their 2026 car is ‘looking good’. They will be hoping to return to the front of the grid after falling behind in the ground-effect era.

Russell also shut down rumours about Mercedes’ engine, labelling it as ‘nonsense’. The Brit will hope to fight for the world championship in 2026, but his team’s advantage over the field is unclear at this stage.