Lando Norris "completely believes" George Russell will one day join him in the ranks of Formula One world champions.

Russell has emerged as the favourite to clinch the title in 2026, ahead of four-time winner Max Verstappen and Norris.

The 26-year-old clinched his first F1 championship by just two points in the final race of the 2025 season, ending McLaren's 17-year wait for a drivers' title.

And while Norris, who was the championship favourite ahead of the Australian Grand Prix last year, is determined to go back-to-back, it is Russell who is tipped to triumph this time around.

"Me and George get along well," Norris told Sky Sports.

"It's not like we talk every day. But I think we have a lot of respect for each other.

"He shows that towards me, and I completely believe he'll win a championship in the future, whether that's this year or next year, whatever it may be.

"I've enjoyed my battles with him, and he's a lovely guy, so I've enjoyed all of it."

George, tell us - how are you feeling ahead of the 2026 season? pic.twitter.com/5Uf0qZ57ZR

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 3, 2026

In 2025, Russell finished fourth in the drivers' championship, 104 points behind Norris.

He was also the only driver outside the top three of Norris, Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to win a Grand Prix last year, triumphing in Canada and Singapore.

"I spoke to Alex [Albon] and George the other day, mainly because we played padel together," Norris said in a conversation with other reporters.

"Especially with them, because we kind of came into F1 [in 2019] at the same time, I think it [Norris becoming champion] has created more hunger for them.

"Especially for George because he's the bookies' favourite. He's a little bit giddy at the minute! That's a great thing to see."