Russell: Antonelli’s title is ‘a matter of when, not if’

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, George Russell said he was no longer in the 2026 title fight and expected Kimi Antonelli to clinch the Drivers’ Championship this weekend or next.

Antonelli’s first opportunity to be crowned comes at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, with the title scenario partly dependent on Russell finishing ninth or lower.

Russell started the year strongly and won in Austria and Azerbaijan, but fell behind Antonelli as a mismatch with the car and reliability problems affected his results. Upgrades helped other teams close their gaps to Mercedes, and Russell’s chance of a maiden title had largely slipped out of his hands.

Russell said the setbacks repeatedly made him ask whether to accept misfortune and poor performances or focus on what he could control. Earlier in 2026, he said, his greater concern was returning to the performance level he expected, including what he needed from the car and what he had to change in his driving. He described the season as a test of his character and resilience.

Russell said he was proud to have kept fighting and believed this would not be his last chance to win, provided he had a car capable of fighting for victory. He and Antonelli are both set to remain at Mercedes in 2027.