Russell reassesses approach as Antonelli’s pace grows at Mercedes
George Russell’s strong start to 2026 has been followed by a tougher spell as Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli has gained momentum. Reports say Russell has had to rethink his driving approach to adapt to the demands of the current rules package.
George Russell began the 2026 Formula 1 season as one of the expected title contenders and opened the year with victories in the Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese sprint race. Since then, however, his campaign has become more difficult as Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli has emerged strongly.
According to the reports, Antonelli’s rise has left Russell trying to consistently match his team-mate’s pace while also fighting to retain second place. Former F1 driver David Coulthard said Russell is being forced to "rewire his brain" in response to the situation.
The coverage also says Russell has been questioning his overall driving approach because of the unusual demands of the current technical regulations. That reassessment has become a central theme in his recent run as Antonelli continues to build momentum.
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