Here’s why George Russell’s tough F1 season has been so hard, as Kimi Antonelli gets closer to winning the world title.
Up until this season, George Russell was seen as Mercedes’ rising star, the one ready to take over from Lewis Hamilton as the team leader.
Mercedes supported him through the junior levels and his time at Williams, and Russell more than held his own alongside Hamilton during their three years as teammates. Then, when he teamed up with young Kimi Antonelli, he beat him easily in their first year together.
But just as Russell finally got a winning car in 2026, Antonelli caught up and looks almost certain to win his first F1 title. In comparison, Russell’s season has been really tough. Before this weekend’s US GP in Austin, he said, “We’re not in the fight.” Let’s take a look at what went wrong.
**2026 Japanese GP – Bad luck on strategy**
Russell started the season strong by winning in Australia and came second to Antonelli in China. Japan seemed like another good chance. Though he dropped back at the start, he fought back to second place behind Oscar Piastri, with Antonelli battling with Charles Leclerc for third.
Piastri pitted on lap 17, and Russell followed three laps later. Then disaster struck: Ollie Bearman crashed, bringing out the Safety Car. This let Antonelli pit without losing his lead, while Russell ended up in fourth.
**2026 Canadian GP – Mercedes troubles strike again**
After a quiet race in Miami where Russell finished fourth and Antonelli won, Russell hoped for better in Montreal. He’s usually strong there and even started from pole after winning the Sprint race.
Russell and Antonelli raced wheel-to-wheel for many laps. But on lap 30, a battery problem forced Russell out while he was leading. He said after the race, “It feels like somebody doesn’t want me to fight for this championship.”
**2026 Monaco GP – More bad luck**
Monaco didn’t go well either. Russell started sixth, Antonelli took pole again, and Russell got penalties for speeding in the pits. He finished 12th while Antonelli won. Russell shared his frustration, saying, “I’m beyond frustration. I’m struggling to understand what is happening.”
**2026 Belgian GP – Another breakdown**
After two second places and a win at Austria, Russell hoped to keep things going in Belgium. He qualified fourth while Antonelli got pole. But barely a lap in, Russell lost power and got passed by two Ferraris. Later, he collided with Hamilton and spun off into the gravel. He said he was “numb to the disappointment” because it happened so often.
**2026 Bahrain GP – Power failure again**
Following a tough race in Monza where Mercedes gambled on a one-stop strategy that didn’t pay off, Russell got back in the win column in Baku for his third victory. But just when things seemed to be improving, an engine failure ended his Bahrain GP while he was third.
**2026 Singapore GP – Spin and crash**
By Singapore, Russell was mostly trying to avoid damage. He took an early lead in the Sprint, giving hope for a good result. But on a wet track, he spun on lap two and crashed into the barriers, finishing ninth in the main race. “Story of the season,” he said.
Russell still has a slim chance of winning the title, but if Antonelli wins in Austin and Russell finishes ninth or worse, Antonelli will be champion. Given Russell’s luck this year, it’s hard to rule anything out.
Russell admits he isn’t very hopeful. “We’re not in the fight,” he said. “It’s just a matter of when Antonelli clinches it. This season has tested me a lot. I’ve had to think about whether to give up or keep fighting. I’m proud I’ve always fought hard and done my best to stay in the fight.”