Kimi Antonelli gives ‘honest’ review of George Russell’s Mercedes season amid 130-point gap

Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli admitted that Mercedes teammate George Russell faced more bad luck during the 2026 season despite the 130-point gap between them. Antonelli stated that Russell will definitely come back as a threat next year, praising his speed and noting that when Russell is on form, he remains very difficult to beat.

Antonelli acknowledged his own setbacks, including retirements in Barcelona and Silverstone, while pointing out that Russell suffered race-ending issues in Canada and Malaysia. Following a difficult Mexico City Grand Prix where Russell finished sixth after an early penalty, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff conceded the team had let Russell down, while Antonelli cautioned that rivals Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren will intensify the title battle.