George Russell has lost 90 points to Max Verstappen in F1 2026 runner-up battle

Mercedes is considering giving George Russell “all the force” to secure a 1-2 in the drivers’ championship after a nightmare run of form.

Three rounds remain in the 2026 season - assuming the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grands prix proceed as planned - with no fewer than five drivers in contention for the runner-up spot: Max Verstappen (279 points), Russell (262), Lewis Hamilton (261), Charles Leclerc (249) and Lando Norris (246) after Kimi Antonelli clinched his maiden Formula 1 world title in Mexico.