Ecclestone snubs Russell in 2026 title fight: 'Antonelli or Verstappen will be champion'

Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has made his prediction for the 2026 title fight, and it leaves no room for George Russell. In an interview with Swiss publication Blick, Ecclestone stated that either Kimi Antonelli or Max Verstappen will be world champion, completely ignoring the Mercedes driver who currently sits second in the standings.

Why it matters:

Ecclestone’s comments highlight the shifting dynamics within Mercedes, where Antonelli’s three consecutive wins and poles have overshadowed Russell’s solid but less flashy season. The 20-year-old Italian now leads the championship by 20 points, and the former F1 boss’s verdict adds external pressure on Russell to prove he can still be considered a top contender.

The details:

• Antonelli has won the last three races from pole, showing rapid growth from his strong 2025 finish. Ecclestone described him as “the natural talent of the new generation.”
• Verstappen, despite an early-season slump with an uncompetitive RB22, showed signs of recovery in Miami. Upgrades brought Red Bull back into the mix, and Ecclestone warned: “Max has caught fire again – and then he’s dangerous.”
• Russell, meanwhile, has gone two races without a podium after an outstanding 2025 campaign that saw him rack up the highest points tally of his career. His consistency has been strong, but he lacks the recent race-winning edge.
• Ecclestone: “Antonelli or Verstappen will be world champion. Red Bull has apparently overcome the slump.”

What's next:

The championship battle is far from over, but Ecclestone’s backing of Antonelli and Verstappen underscores the belief that the title will come down to raw speed versus experience. Antonelli is also eyeing a Nordschleife permit to race GT3 cars, signaling a desire to test himself beyond F1. For Russell, the message is clear: he needs a statement win soon to reassert his claim.