Russell: 2026 Formula 1 Season Won't Break Me
Mercedes driver George Russell says a difficult year will not break him ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. Team-mate Kimi Antonelli could clinch the world title this weekend.
George Russell, the British driver for the Mercedes Formula 1 team, has said the 2026 season "won't break me" ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix. His team-mate, Italian Kimi Antonelli, could secure the world drivers' championship in Mexico. At 20, he would become the youngest champion in the history of Formula 1, the top level of single-seater motor racing.
How Antonelli can take the title
The Italian would clinch the championship by finishing in the top nine on Sunday, or if neither Russell nor Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton wins the race.
Russell's assessment
Russell began 2026 as favourite after dominating Antonelli last year. This season he has won three races to Antonelli's nine, and has regularly been outperformed by his team-mate.
The 28-year-old said he has learned more about himself this year than he would have liked. He noted that Hamilton is still competing well at 41 and Fernando Alonso at 44, and that Hamilton won most of his titles in his 30s. Russell said the season will not define his career and, if anything, will make him stronger. He added that he has a good 12 to 15 years left in him.
He also pointed out that he has tended to bounce back strongly from poor weekends. After an underwhelming race in Madrid, which Antonelli won, Russell took pole position and victory at the next race in Baku. Most recently, in Austin, he finished eighth while Antonelli won.
Russell acknowledged that his team-mate has been at a higher level this year, which is why the two have rarely come into conflict, and said their relationship remains good.
Antonelli's health
Antonelli missed Thursday's media day because of a viral illness, but is expected to be fit to drive in Friday's practice sessions. He has said he wants to finish the season on a high to have strong hopes for 2027.
