George Russell has broken his silence on social media after Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli clinched the F1 Drivers' Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Briton posted an emotional statement on Instagram to "speak from the heart," revealing that 2026 "was not meant to be my year."
Team principal Toto Wolff said Russell was "distraught" in Mexico and left after congratulating Antonelli. The FIA also issued Mercedes a €5,000 fine because Russell missed his mandatory post-race media duties.
Russell began the season as the clear title favourite but was comprehensively outperformed by Antonelli, who became F1's youngest ever world champion at the age of 20 with four rounds remaining. Antonelli won nine races to Russell's three, dropping the Briton to fourth in the Drivers' Championship after a power unit issue compromised his Mexico City race.
In his statement, Russell sincerely congratulated Antonelli on an "absolutely incredible season" and thanked Mercedes for producing the best car and power unit. He promised to give his absolute all for the remainder of the season and into 2027, hoping to rediscover his form and that "a little bit of luck returns."
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing