Herbert picks Russell to fend off title challengers

MERCEDES are playing “Formula 1 games” to deflect attention away from their preseason status as clear title favourites.

- EXCLUSIVE BY DANIEL MOXON

That's the view of former F1 racer Johnny Herbert who says: “I'm still going with George Russell for the title.”

Mercedes built by far the best engines the last time F1 regulations changed back in 2014 and the fact their rivals are arguing their new power unit should be banned suggests they have done so again.

They encountered some reliability issues in Bahrain testing this week but remain the bookies’ favourites for glory this year, but seem to have been trying to make everyone forget that.

Brit Russell, who turns 28 today, has been hyping up Adrian Newey’s “pretty spectacular” first creation for Aston Martin.

And Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff has claimed Red Bull's new car and engine “are the benchmark” from what he’s seen in testing.