PADDOCK INSIDER: Why Russell has an air of confidence ahead of the new season as he targets 2026 title

George Russell cuts a very relaxed figure as he sits down on our interviewee chair on the terrace of the Mercedes AMG hospitality unit at Albert Park's Turn 10, ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The Mercedes racer, competing in his eighth season in Formula 1 and fifth with the Silver Arrows, has been labelled by many as favourite for the title.

While the 28-year-old hasn't got involved in such chat, there's something about him that gives off a sense of confidence that he's in the fight this year.