George Russell downplays pace concerns as Antonelli builds early lead

George Russell acknowledged his "really poor" pace at the Miami Grand Prix but insists there is "no major cause for concern," even as rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli builds a 20-point championship lead. The Mercedes driver finished fourth, using the latter stages of the race to experiment with his car's settings after a podium became out of reach, while Antonelli secured his third consecutive win from pole.

Why it matters:

The early dynamic within Mercedes is becoming a focal point of the 2026 season. Antonelli's historic start—winning his first three races from pole—contrasts with Russell's first significant stumble, testing the team's internal equilibrium. How Russell responds and whether Antonelli can maintain this momentum will be critical for both the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes' dominant constructors' campaign.

The details:

• Russell openly admitted his lack of single-lap and race pace in Miami, describing it as "really poor" compared to his teammate.
• With a podium finish unlikely, the Briton used the final 20 laps as a test session, making "drastic changes" to his driving style and adjusting differential and brake settings on the steering wheel to gather data.
• He reported that the changes improved the car's behavior, suggesting a path to understanding the weekend's struggles.
• Antonelli made history by becoming the first driver to convert his first three F1 pole positions into victories, showcasing remarkable composure for a teenager.
• Despite the points gap, Russell emphasized the long view, citing his own experience with championship momentum swings and noting the season is still in its infancy.

What's next:

The immediate focus shifts to the Canadian Grand Prix, where Russell will aim to return to the podium and challenge for a win. The central question is whether Miami was a one-off anomaly for Russell or the start of a trend that could cement Antonelli as the team's primary title contender. For now, Mercedes enjoys a comfortable 70-point lead in the Constructors' standings, providing a cushion as its drivers navigate this new internal rivalry.