George Russell is searching for answers after admitting he was "not being quick enough" at the United States Grand Prix, as team-mate Kimi Antonelli closes in on the Formula 1 world title. Antonelli dominated Sunday's race at Austin from pole, while Russell started sixth but finished eighth after receiving a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage by running off-track on the opening lap while defending from Oscar Piastri at Turn 12.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Russell said: "Just not being quick enough, to be honest. I need to try and understand why it is. It's strange when you're so far off, so hopefully there's some answers somewhere. But, anyway, I don't have one." His result came despite a recently upgraded W17, which he claims has a "narrow set-up window", as shown by his inconsistent form since its introduction in Malaysia. In Singapore, Russell took ninth, meaning it is now three grands prix without a podium for the Briton amid a difficult 2026.
Russell said the pace was poor on the first stint and that he managed only about six strong laps on the hard tyres before catching Piastri and being unable to overtake. "Six good laps, 50 bad laps," he said. "I want to understand why the pace was so bad on the first stint."
Antonelli is likely to clinch the championship in Mexico next weekend, holding a 123-point advantage over Russell with 125 available across the final five rounds. Mercedes is also set to win the constructors' title, sitting 133 points ahead of Ferrari. Russell said: "As long as we win the constructors', that's the main thing."
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing