Russell credits Antonelli’s pace for lack of rivalry as Mercedes title fight nears conclusion

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George Russell has acknowledged that Kimi Antonelli’s superior form this season has prevented any significant rivalry between the Mercedes teammates. Despite Mercedes leading the 2026 championship battle, Antonelli has consistently outpaced Russell, building a strong lead in the drivers’ standings as the season approaches its climax.

Russell described Antonelli as “a great guy with lots of energy” and emphasized that their working relationship has remained positive throughout the year. Speaking ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Antonelli is poised to clinch his first world title if he finishes ninth or better, Russell said the absence of on-track clashes or incidents has helped maintain a good rapport. “He’s been at a higher level than me this year so we’ve not really been in that situation too often,” Russell told Formula 1’s official site. The Briton explained that both drivers focus on their own races and work individually with their engineers to extract maximum performance from the car.

While Antonelli’s consistency and pace have set him apart, Russell has shown flashes of brilliance, notably in Baku where he secured pole position by eight-tenths and held off Max Verstappen for victory. However, that peak was followed by a string of less impressive results, including a retirement and lower points finishes. Russell admitted the inconsistency has been frustrating and unlike anything he has experienced before. “I’ve never had a season like this in my career where the performance has fluctuated so much,” he said. He acknowledged the team is still searching for answers to why the W17’s performance varies so widely from race to race.

Russell also revealed he has been working with a sports psychologist for seven years, a strategy that helped him in his most successful seasons. He sees this year’s challenges as a test of mental resilience rather than a sign of decline. Looking ahead to 2027, with both drivers expected to remain at Mercedes, Russell hinted at a continued focus on personal improvement rather than direct confrontation. “We’re not boxers where you’re going to have a fight every weekend,” he said.

Mercedes’ internal dynamic this season contrasts with the intense rivalries seen at other teams, largely because Antonelli’s dominance has kept the competition at arm’s length. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Mexico City to see if Antonelli can secure the title and how Russell will respond in the final races.