George Russell Backed to Overcome Mid-Season Doubts and Psychological Struggles

Former F1 winner Thierry Boutsen has backed George Russell to recover from a difficult start to the 2026 season. After 11 rounds, Russell sits third in the standings on 160 points, trailing Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli by 59 following a string of setbacks with the W17.

Why it matters:

Russell's slump has opened a significant title race gap at a critical moment for Mercedes. With Antonelli already securing six wins and emerging as the season's breakout star, Russell's recovery could determine whether the team can mount a dual championship fight or rely solely on its teenage teammate.

The details:

• Russell opened the year with victory in Australia, but his campaign unraveled through mechanical failures, incidents, and struggles extracting the best from the W17.
• A mechanical retirement while leading in Canada proved especially costly, while a first-lap clash with Lewis Hamilton at Spa and an anti-stall issue in Hungary further dented his tally.
• Russell admitted earlier this year he was "bamboozled" by his pace drop, suggesting the issues extend beyond bad luck into the psychological realm.
• Meanwhile, Antonelli has captured six wins, including five of the first six grands prix, with an aggressive style that suits the 2026 Mercedes package.
• Boutsen, a three-time winner across 11 F1 seasons, said drivers inevitably face cycles of doubt, but insisted: "George will be back, for sure."

What's next:

Russell must halt the slide when racing resumes to keep his title hopes alive. Boutsen warned that Antonelli's current form will not last forever, predicting the Italian will face his own psychological hurdles eventually. For now, the championship momentum sits firmly on Antonelli's side of the garage.