Speed and paddock politics: George Russell aims to seize his chance after F1's big changes

Big rule changes mean this might be George Russell's year. Mercedes showed good pace in preseason, with Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli consistently among the fastest drivers, and racked up the most miles across the three tests. Russell will have to overcome lingering concerns over Mercedes' reliability and some sluggish starts in testing, but with increasingly confident 19-year-old teammate Antonelli in support, the British driver could be a genuine title contender for the first time.

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH