‘Mind games’ – Kimi Antonelli responds to George Russell’s F1 title prediction with a friendly jab
Kimi Antonelli says he’s not going to get involved in mind games, even after his Mercedes teammate George Russell said the Formula 1 World Championship is already his to lose.
Antonelli is leading the 2026 season with a huge 66-point gap, having won five races and stood on the podium six times in just six races. Russell is the only other driver to win a Grand Prix this year, while Lewis Hamilton has been on the podium three times.
Before the Monaco Grand Prix, Russell called the championship “his to lose,” referring to Antonelli. He even won another race, but Antonelli isn’t getting ahead of himself with the season still long.
“It’s not the first time we’ve seen mind games. People always try to put pressure on their opponents, whether a rival or a teammate. But those things don’t really affect me,” Antonelli told Motorsport.com.
“We’re still only a third of the way through the season, so it’s too early to talk about the title fight. I take it race by race. After each weekend, I check the standings, but then I focus right away on the next race. When I’m on the track, I’m just trying to do my best. I haven’t won the championship yet, so I have nothing to lose.”
The 19-year-old also turned the pressure back on Russell, calling him “the complete package” and saying it made sense that Russell was the clear favorite at the start of the season.
“My goal is to win as many races as I can and, by doing that, take the championship. These chances don’t come often, but I’m still the underdog—and that’s okay with me,” Antonelli said. “Before the season, everyone saw George as the favorite, and I agree. He has the experience and everything needed to fight for the title.”
Though questions about winning the World Championship will follow, Antonelli is focused on the now and knows there’s plenty to work on.
“I still think I can improve in many ways,” he said. “Winning has given me confidence, but I know I have to keep pushing to reach my full potential. That’s what drives me. Not many expected a start like this from me, especially since it’s only my second year in Formula 1. Maybe because I’m young, some people think I can still get better. That might be why George sees me as a serious challenger for the title.”
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