Russell arrived in Formula 1 in 2019 as a Mercedes junior but spent three tough seasons at Williams, often racing at the back with little chance to show his full potential.
His move to Mercedes in 2022 brought a step up in profile, but it also coincided with the team’s struggles under the current ground-effect regulations, denying him a car capable of regular wins.
Speaking on Sky F1, Brundle said Russell’s patience and resilience could yet be rewarded as the sport edges closer to a major regulation change in 2026, which many expect to reshuffle the competitive order.
“He must sense there’s a chance of a world championship somewhere along the line,” Brundle said. “George has put the hard yards in. He’s been through the difficult years and learned a lot along the way.”
Russell was set to lead Mercedes alongside highly rated youngster Kimi Antonelli, who was handed a race seat after rising rapidly through the junior categories. Brundle felt the pairing gave Mercedes both experience and long-term security.
“They’re a very strong line-up,” he explained. “George’s experience will show over a full season, especially in tricky situations like restarts and mixed conditions. If I had to guess across a year, I’d back George.”
Brundle was also keen to stress that Antonelli was under no immediate pressure, describing him as a driver with strong backing from team principal Toto Wolff and the wider Mercedes organisation.
Russell, now an established figure in his eighth season, was seen as a driver who had endured the setbacks and was ready to capitalise when the opportunity finally arrived.
“He joined Mercedes just as they stopped winning everything,” Brundle added. “He’s done the hard work, and maybe his moment is still to come.”
