Wolff backs Russell to bounce back after Antonelli's dominant run

Toto Wolff has backed George Russell to respond after a disappointing Miami Grand Prix saw him fall 20 points behind championship leader and teammate Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes team principal described Russell as a "killer" who never stops fighting, and expects a strong bounce back at the Canadian Grand Prix — a race Russell won last year.

Why it matters:

The internal Mercedes battle is becoming a defining narrative of the 2026 season. With Antonelli on a three-race winning streak and Russell struggling to match his pace in Miami, the team's championship hopes may depend on how the more experienced driver handles the pressure. Wolff's public vote of confidence signals Mercedes is not panicking, but the gap is growing.

The Details:

• Wolff told Sky Sports F1: "George is a killer. He never stops fighting or attacking. He's going for this and won't leave a stone unturned."
• Russell, 28, attributed his Miami deficit to the track's low-grip surface, admitting he "never liked the smooth surface."
• Antonelli now leads the standings by 20 points after winning in Japan, China, and Miami — three consecutive victories.
• Russell has six more years of F1 experience than the 19-year-old Italian, but Wolff dismissed any psychological impact: "He analyses it, ticks the box, and looks forward to Montreal."
• The British driver outperformed Lewis Hamilton over three seasons but has never been in a title fight until now.
• Russell insists he's not thinking about the championship yet: "I want to get back on the top step. Miami was a one-off."

What's Next:

The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is next up, a Sprint weekend running May 22-24. Russell won there in 2025 and will look to reset momentum. With 18 rounds still to go, Wolff expects both drivers to "fight for points throughout the season," but the pressure is on Russell to close the gap to his young teammate.