Günther Steiner backs Mercedes and George Russell for the title ahead of Formula 1 season opener

After the final three days of preseason testing in Bahrain last week, Steiner’s verdict was clear when speaking to Sport.de: “Mercedes is definitely ahead. They look very strong, but I have to mention the other teams as well. McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari. Those four teams are ahead.”

While he sees a tight fight at the front, he was blunt about those who failed to impress: “Aston Martin, on the other hand, is the big loser. They’re unreliable and just very slow. Cadillac is also a bit disappointing. I know it’s a new team, but their speed was a bit slower than I expected.”

Steiner has already identified his pick for the opening round in Australia: “For me, Mercedes and George Russell are the big favourites for the Australian race. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, is still very young. He’s also incredibly good, but just very young.”

Steiner believes Russell now has the platform to fight for the title: “George has the talent to become world champion, if he has the right car. Looking at how Mercedes is doing now, he seems to have it. That’s why Russell is really the big title favorite for me this year.”

Ferrari remains in the conversation, but with caution attached, ventured Steiner: “Ferrari is Ferrari, I’d say. You never really know where they are. They’re certainly there, but are they really at the front? That’s always a bit of a problem with Ferrari.”

He added that the raw pace is visible: “You can tell the car is good, because they’re in the top four. I’m also sure Charles Leclerc wants to become champion. If the car can handle it, he’ll fight hard to actually win that championship for Ferrari.”

Melbourne will begin to determine whether Steiner’s early pecking order holds firm and Russell does begin the journey to his first title. The Italian motorsport veteran is not alone in setting a confident early prediction regarding where the 2026 Formula 1 title will end up.