George Russell has revealed how watching Lando Norris celebrate his maiden F1 title win at the end of last season has “fuelled” him to try and emulate his compatriot this year.Mercedes driver Russell heads into this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix as the favourite with the bookmakers for the world championship, a title currently held by long-time friend and generational rival Norris.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports’ Craig Slater in Melbourne, which will air in full during Sky Sports F1’s live build-up to the Australian Grand Prix from 2.30am on Sunday, Russell said he consciously took in Norris’ immediate celebrations when his fellow Brit became world champion at 2025’s finale last December.
“I watched Lando celebrate and I sat in my car as I pulled in from the pits in Abu Dhabi,” said Russell.”I wanted to watch because I thought that would fuel me more, and I think it has.”
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Lando Norris celebrates becoming World Champion with tears, doughnuts and hugs!
With Russell considered the front-runner for this year’s drivers’ title, Mercedes are also favourites for a first Constructors’ Championship triumph since 2021 – the season before the Briton joined the team from Williams.
“I feel ready to give it everything and that’s ultimately all we can do,” said Russell, preparing for his eighth season of F1 and fifth with Mercedes.
“We don’t know what will happen but I know I’m giving it everything and my team are giving it everything. What will be, will be.
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