P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell is keen to get himself involved in a title fight this year as the sport enters a new era.
George Russell stated his desire to compete against Max Verstappen for the F1 championship this season. Mercedes displayed a strong performance during the pre-season shakedown in Barcelona, garnering the most laps and encountering no major issues. With the introduction of new regulations, Mercedes is expected to be a top contender alongside Red Bull, which showcased a promising new power unit. Russell, seen as an early favorite for the title, expressed readiness to face the competition, including Red Bull’s impressive performance and Max Verstappen’s skills. Looking forward to a challenging championship battle, Russell emphasized the importance of earning the title through fair competition rather than an easy victory.
