Russell: Antonelli Has Been 'at a Higher Level' During 2026 Title Charge

George Russell has candidly conceded that Kimi Antonelli has been operating at a higher level this season, but insists their Mercedes relationship remains healthy as the Italian closes in on a maiden F1 title.

Why it matters:

Antonelli needs just two points at the Mexico City Grand Prix to clinch the championship — a scenario few predicted when Russell entered 2026 as the bookmakers' favourite. The shift marks a stunning rise for the less experienced teammate and a defining test of Mercedes' internal dynamics.

The details:

• Russell said there has been "no reason" not to maintain a good relationship with Antonelli, calling him "a great guy with lots of energy."
• He attributed the calm to a lack of on-track flashpoints: "A lot of these rivalries start because of on-track incidents or actions."
• "The truth is he's been at a higher level than me this year, so we've not really been in that situation too often," Russell added.
• Reigning champion Lando Norris recently claimed Antonelli has been "two levels" above Russell, a view the Briton effectively endorsed.
• Russell starts second in Mexico behind Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari, with Antonelli fourth.

What's next:

Antonelli can finish the title fight Sunday. For Russell, the focus is salvaging a strong result from the front row — and avoiding the kind of flashpoint that could turn a cordial partnership into Mercedes' next internal war.