Russell Calls 2026 'Not His Year' After Antonelli Wins Title
The British driver finished sixth in Mexico City before posting a statement acknowledging his rival's dominance and his own struggles this season.
By Matthew Qureshi ·
George Russell told followers on Monday that the 2026 Formula One season was not his year, marking the end of a campaign where he started as a title favorite but finished as a runner-up.
The Mercedes driver was excused from media duties following the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday. Team principal Toto Wolff described Russell as distraught over the race outcome. Russell began on the front row but lost positions when his car slowed unexpectedly. He crossed the finish line in sixth place. Wolff stated the team let the driver down.
Russell, 30, had entered the season as the bookmakers' favorite for the championship. He had secured one race victory early in the year. His teammate, 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli, was in only his second season with the team.
Antonelli won nine races this year compared to Russell's three. The Italian secured the drivers' title with four races remaining. He is Italy's first world champion in 73 years.
In an Instagram post, Russell said the season started well but unraveled quickly due to bad luck and poor performances. He described 2026 as the first season of his career with more bad days than good ones. Russell conceded that maintaining self-discipline week after week was difficult.
Russell congratulated Antonelli on an incredible season and said the young driver truly deserved the title. He promised to give his all for the remainder of the season and into the next to rediscover his past performance levels.
