George Russell says 2026 has been the toughest season of his career after Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli clinched the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Russell congratulated Antonelli, credited Mercedes for its car and power unit, and vowed to regain his form as the season continues.

By the Numbers
  • Antonelli won the championship at age 20 years and 68 days, becoming Formula 1’s youngest world champion.
  • He secured the title with four rounds remaining after nine wins; Russell has three.
  • Russell finished sixth in Mexico after a first-lap power-unit issue, and now sits fourth in the standings.
  • The team was fined €5,000 after Russell missed mandatory post-race media duties.
Yes, But

Russell entered the season as the bookmakers’ favorite and won the opener in Australia, but he says bad luck and inconsistent performances quickly derailed his campaign. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Russell was distraught and that the team had let him down.

What's Next

With races still to come, Russell says he’ll work to rediscover his form for the rest of the season and beyond. Mercedes will also aim to finish strongly in the Constructors’ fight.

Bottom Line

Antonelli’s historic title is a breakthrough for Mercedes; Russell’s candid response shows the personal cost of losing a championship battle—and leaves him focused on a comeback.