George Russell (Mercedes): “Ferrari has this huge advantage in Mexico”

That’s how fast things can change in Formula 1: ahead of the 2026 season and following his season-opening victory in Australia, George Russell was considered the favourite for the World Championship, but then the Antonelli Express picked up speed – the young Italian won five races in a row and completely outclassed Russell.

Admittedly, if we look at the 2026 season in detail, we realise that Kimi is a lucky chap and George is a bit of an unlucky one. But that doesn’t change the fact that Antonelli is simply the better driver.

Now Russell is in danger of losing second place in the World Championship as well: the Briton has 242 points, whilst Ferrari superstar Lewis Hamilton has 241 after the US Grand Prix, Max Verstappen 236 and Charles Leclerc 233 – meaning four drivers are within ten points of one another.

Speaking in the paddock at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Russell said: “The weekend in Texas highlighted just how difficult it is to get the car into the optimal operating window, particularly with the new parts we’ve had on the car since Malaysia.”

“This weekend here will be interesting. Turbo lag when the turbo kicks in will be a major issue here, and Ferrari has a big advantage over me with their smaller turbocharger.”

Topic of the week

Soon-to-be world champion Kimi Antonelli: The inevitable will then follow in Mexico

The 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli had the chance to secure the 2026 World Championship title at the US Grand Prix. He did everything right: victory in Texas. The title celebrations have nevertheless been postponed. Until Mexico.

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Mexico City: Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

01.11.2026 - 23:15

“I want to drive more consistently in the final part of the World Championship. Some of the things that have happened there are a mystery to me. In Baku, I was on pole position with a lead of eight-tenths of a second; shortly afterwards, I found myself in eighth on the grid. I’ve never had a year with such fluctuations in performance in my racing career, and I know – it’s not down to me.”