Russell: 2026 will make him stronger, not break him — SkimNews
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- George Russell says the 2026 Formula 1 season will not define his career or break him, but instead make him stronger; he believes he has 12 to 15 years left in him.
- Kimi Antonelli can secure the 2026 world title at the November 1 Mexico City Grand Prix with a top-nine finish or if George Russell or Lewis Hamilton fail to win, and at 20 would become F1's youngest champion.
- George Russell concedes Antonelli has been at a higher level this season and has gotten more from the car, while reporting that few on-track incidents have tested their otherwise good relationship.
- George Russell followed an underwhelming Madrid race, won by Antonelli, with pole and victory at Baku, pointing to his record of bouncing back strongly after poor weekends.
- George Russell has won just three races in 2026 compared with Antonelli's nine, reversing last year's dominance; at Austin, Antonelli won while Russell finished eighth.
- Kimi Antonelli missed Thursday's Mexico City media day with a viral illness but is expected to be fit enough to drive in Friday's practice sessions.
Why it matters: At 20, Antonelli can secure the title with a top-nine finish or if Russell or Hamilton fail to win Sunday, becoming F1's youngest champion. The on-track contrast is stark: Russell has three wins to Antonelli's nine, and finished eighth in Austin while Antonelli won.
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