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Updated 23 April 2026 - Silverstone, UK
Russell trails rookie teammate by nine points after three races
George Russell sits nine points behind Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship following the season's first three rounds. The 28-year-old Briton, now in his fifth season with the Silver Arrows, admits his title bid has arrived later than he anticipated-but insists his mindset remains unchanged.
From karting to contention: Russell's journey comes full circle
On a clear spring evening at Silverstone this week, Russell officially opened the circuit's new karting center, the same track where he first competed over two decades ago. The moment underscored the distance he has traveled since those early days-though he acknowledges the path to contention took longer than expected.
Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 after establishing himself as a standout talent at Williams, a backmarker at the time. His arrival coincided with the team's decline following eight consecutive constructors' titles, and he spent his first three seasons battling an underperforming car rather than a championship.
Now, with Mercedes restored to the front of the grid, Russell says the pressure of a title fight hasn't altered his approach. "I was surprised by that myself," he told reporters. "I don't think about the big picture. I focus on the moment-qualifying, the race start, standing on the podium. That's how you win a championship."
Antonelli's rapid rise: A 19-year-old rival
The season began promisingly for Russell, with pole position and victory in Australia and another win in China's sprint race. But a technical issue in Shanghai's grand prix qualifying handed Antonelli his first career pole, and the Italian converted it into his maiden victory. Two weeks later in Japan, a safety car timing mishap dropped Russell to fourth while Antonelli claimed his second win of the season.
Russell downplays the deficit, noting Mercedes' dominance has compressed the field. "Last year, a small mistake could cost you five positions," he said. "Now, we can recover quickly. Antonelli's a fantastic driver, but it's early days."
"I love competition. I want my rivals to push me. The more, the merrier."
George Russell
Verstappen's absence and the new F1 rules
Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, has been conspicuously absent from the title fight after Red Bull's slow start. Russell, who has clashed with Verstappen in the past, says their relationship is now "fine" and admits he misses the Dutchman's presence. "He's achieved what I'm striving for," Russell said. "If I were in his position, I'd probably be racing GT cars too."
The 2026 season introduced new regulations, including a 50-50 split between combustion and electric power, which have drawn criticism from Verstappen and others. Russell, however, defends the changes. "I'm enjoying the car," he said. "The racing is more dynamic. Overtaking is up, and the back-and-forth reminds me of karting-pure racing."
As director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, Russell helped push for tweaks to address concerns about qualifying pace. "Drivers aren't lifting in corners to save energy," he clarified. "The FIA has refined the rules, and from Miami onward, we'll be flat out."
Future secure, focus on the fight
Russell recently signed a contract extension with Mercedes, though its terms include performance-based options. When asked if "performance" referred to a championship position, he replied, "Yes."
With his future settled, Russell's sole priority is the title. "To win," he said. "Every race."
