George Russell has reflected on the 2026 Formula 1 season, stating it marked the first time in his career he experienced more challenging days than positive ones. His comments follow the Mexico City Grand Prix, where teammate Kimi Antonelli secured the Drivers’ World Championship. Russell finished the race in sixth position.
Russell congratulated Antonelli on his maiden title, acknowledging the Italian’s performance. He also extended praise to Mercedes for delivering a competitive car and power unit throughout the season. Russell left the circuit without speaking to media immediately after the race.
“This season started off exactly how I had hoped, but it very quickly unraveled with tough luck and poor performances. It’s been the first proper season of my career where I’ve had more bad days than good. All I know is that I’ve given it my all and 2026 was not meant to be my year. I want to sincerely congratulate Kimi on what has been an absolutely incredible season. You truly deserve the Championship.”
Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 F1 World Championship by finishing third in Mexico City. At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli became the youngest F1 champion in history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s previous record. He is also the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli secured the championship with four races remaining in the season, a testament to his consistent performance. He recorded nine victories and seven pole positions during the 2026 campaign. His consistency was a key factor in his title success.
Mercedes provided a strong package with their W17 chassis and power unit, which proved highly competitive. The team currently leads the Constructors’ Championship. Antonelli’s adaptability to the new 2026 regulations was evident early in the season.
Russell’s season was hampered by reliability issues, including multiple power unit failures and hydraulic problems. He recorded three retirements (DNFs) over the course of the year, notably in Canada and Belgium. These setbacks cost him significant championship points.
Beyond mechanical issues, Russell cited difficulties in adapting his driving style to the 2026 cars. He explained that his natural tendency to apply throttle early in corner exits was inefficient with the new power units. High rear tyre pressures also contributed to his struggles.
Antonelli, in contrast, appeared to master the new car generation quickly. He secured early victories in China, Japan, and Miami, becoming the youngest-ever championship leader after the Japanese Grand Prix. This rapid adaptation allowed him to build a substantial points lead.
The battle for second place in the Drivers’ Championship remains tight. Russell is currently in contention with Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris. Two races are still scheduled after the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The 2026 Formula 1 season introduced significant technical regulations, aiming for lighter, more agile cars and increased sustainability. Key changes included a simplified hybrid power unit, 100% sustainable fuels, and reduced car dimensions.
The new regulations also brought active aerodynamics, featuring movable front and rear wings to optimize for either low drag on straights or high downforce in corners. These changes required drivers to adapt their approach to energy management and car handling.
