George Russell has addressed his challenging 2026 Formula 1 season, stating he has experienced “more bad days than good.” This statement follows teammate Kimi Antonelli securing the 2026 Drivers’ World Championship for Mercedes at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Russell finished sixth in that race.
Antonelli clinched his maiden title by finishing third at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, becoming the youngest F1 World Champion at 20 years, two months, and seven days old. He surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s previous record by over three years.
The Italian driver’s championship run included nine victories throughout the season. Notable wins for Antonelli came in China, where he also became the youngest polesitter, and Japan, where he took the championship lead.
Antonelli also secured victories in Miami, Monaco, and a remarkable win at the Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid. His consistent performance saw him lead the championship for a significant portion of the year.
Russell’s 2026 campaign began strongly with victories at the Australian, Austrian, and Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His win in Azerbaijan was a Grand Slam, converting pole position into victory by 0.196 seconds over Max Verstappen.
However, Russell’s form declined after his Azerbaijan success. He has not featured inside the top five since that race, with his best subsequent result being sixth place in Mexico.
The British driver cited an incompatibility with the car and reliability issues as factors affecting his results. He also noted that the energy-hungry power units and high rear tyre pressures of the 2026 regulations did not suit his driving style.
Russell admitted to “confusion” regarding his inconsistent performances throughout the season. He was second in the Drivers’ Championship before the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Following the Mexico City Grand Prix, Russell chose to skip mandatory media duties. Mercedes covered the resulting €5,000 fine, with Team Principal Toto Wolff stating Russell was “distraught.”
Russell posted on social media, reflecting on his season. He stated that the year started as hoped but “very quickly unravelled with tough luck and poor performances.”
Now feels like a pretty suitable moment to speak from the heart. This season started off exactly how I had hoped, but it very quickly unravelled 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.
Russell has been working with sports psychologists for seven years, including during his most successful periods in Formula 1. He acknowledged this season has been his first true struggle.
He currently sits fourth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, behind Antonelli, Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton. Four races remain in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Both Russell and Antonelli are confirmed to remain Mercedes teammates for the 2027 season. Russell aims to improve his performance level for the upcoming year.
