Russell questions frequency of 'atrocious luck' during 2026 F1 season — SkimNews
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- Russell said a race-by-race review with his engineer found six races without issues and 14 with some kind of issue, compared with about two in past seasons and four in 2023.
- Russell qualified second for the Mexico City Grand Prix, but a software glitch ruined his start, costing him several places on the opening lap and a chance at victory.
- Antonelli was crowned world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, leaving Russell fourth behind Verstappen and Hamilton and 130 points behind his Mercedes team-mate.
- Mercedes excused Russell from his post-race media duties after Wolff found him distraught in Mexico, and the team was fined €5,000.
- Russell rejected treating bad luck as a complete explanation, saying he needed to review his own performance while Mercedes should examine whether preparation contributed to the technical problems.
- Russell said he had limited expectations for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix despite loving Interlagos, where he earned his maiden Grand Prix victory in 2022.
Why it matters: Russell’s complaint is not merely a bid for sympathy: he admits his performances fell short and asks Mercedes to check preparation. Antonelli is 130 points ahead of fourth-place Russell, while Mercedes still has a Constructors’ Championship opportunity in Sao Paulo this weekend.
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