Russell Downplays Form Gap as Antonelli Dominates Early 2026 Season

George Russell insists he hasn't 'forgotten how to drive' as Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli has flipped the script from a season-opening one-two in Melbourne to three consecutive wins in Shanghai, Suzuka, and Miami. The seven-season veteran finished fourth in Miami while Antonelli leads the championship 100-80.

Why it matters:

The form reversal within Mercedes raises questions about the team's internal dynamics and Antonelli's rapid rise. With the new regulations settling, Mercedes is enjoying its best start since 2020, but Russell's early lead has evaporated.

The details:

• Russell won the season opener in Melbourne, leading a Silver Arrows one-two.
• Antonelli then claimed his career-breakthrough win in Shanghai, followed by victories in Suzuka and Miami.
• At Miami, Russell spent most of the race watching Antonelli battle Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. He settled for fifth before Leclerc's late mistake gifted him fourth.
• Toto Wolff noted Miami is a 'bogey track' for Russell, who has never finished higher than third there in four starts.
• Russell made late race adjustments (differentials, brake bias) closer to Antonelli's setup, improving his pace in the final laps.
• Mercedes has now won the first four Grands Prix of the season – the first time since 2019-2020.

What's next:

The F1 season continues in Montreal (May 23-25), a track where Russell has historically performed better. Both drivers will have a chance to reset. With Antonelli's momentum and Russell's experience, the intra-team battle is far from decided.