Emotional statement from George Russell: “More bad days than good”

Whilst Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, aged just 20, celebrated his first World Championship title in Mexico on Sunday, the mood on the other side of the Mercedes garage was one of disappointment. Antonelli is champion – which also means that no other driver now has a chance of winning the 2026 title. Consequently, the Mexican Grand Prix marked the end of any World Championship hopes for Antonelli’s team-mate George Russell. Although he had already publicly written off the title beforehand – and mathematically his chances were minimal even before Mexico – the realisation probably only truly hit Russell with full force after the chequered flag in Mexico City.

Russell’s escape following F1 title hopes dashed

Russell, who finished a disappointing sixth in the race and had once again had a difficult race, was visibly dejected after the Grand Prix. Fair play within the team: Russell congratulated Antonelli and also extended his congratulations to his family. Afterwards, however, the Briton left the circuit early, skipping the mandatory media sessions and a stewards’ hearing, for which he received a fine of 5,000 euros.

Consequently, fans and reporters heard nothing from Russell after his title hopes were mathematically dashed – but a good 24 hours after the race, the Mercedes driver has now spoken out on social media.

Emotional words from George Russell

Russell wrote: “Now seems to me to be the right moment to speak from the heart. This season started exactly as I’d hoped, but then it very quickly went off the rails due to bad luck and poor performances. It was the first proper season of my career where I had more bad days than good ones. Was it hard to deal with? Yes, very much so. Was it hard to pick myself up week after week? Yes, very much so. Was I sometimes unsure of myself? Often. All I know is that I gave it my all and that 2026 simply wasn’t meant to be my year.”

He then turned to his team-mate Kimi Antonelli and his Mercedes team: “I’d like to congratulate Kimi wholeheartedly on an absolutely incredible season. You’ve truly earned the championship title. Many thanks to the team, who have put together the best car and the best power unit this season; it’s been inspiring to see how everyone has pulled together over these four difficult years to bring Mercedes back to the top.”

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With his third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest of the 36 Formula 1 world champions to date. The 20-year-old Italian is on a record-breaking run. The Tifosi are dreaming of Antonelli in a Ferrari.

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Depending on the global situation, there are now two (worst-case scenario) to four (official calendar) races remaining. Russell: “All I can promise now is that, for the rest of this season and into the next, I’ll give it my all to get back to the form I’ve shown for most of my career – and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that a bit of luck will return too.”