Russell admits 2026 title push fell apart as teammate Antonelli takes F1 crown
Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli sealed the Formula 1 world championship in Mexico City, leaving George Russell reflecting on a difficult season.
Kimi Antonelli, 20, secured the 2026 Formula 1 world championship after the Mexico City Grand Prix, a historic result for the young Mercedes driver. His teammate George Russell, who had opened the season as the favourite after a strong start in Australia, finished sixth and received a 10-second penalty for making contact with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar. Mercedes was fined $5,000 after Russell skipped his post-race media duties.
Russell said on Instagram that the season had unravelled quickly through bad luck and poor performances, and that it had been the first full season of his career with more bad days than good. Team principal Toto Wolff said the car had been unresponsive and that Mercedes had let the driver down. Russell said he would work to regain the form he has shown for most of his career and hopes for better luck in 2027.
Antonelli won five straight races mid-season and went on to win four more grands prix, including the United States race two weeks before he secured the title.