“I’m not thinking about the championship”: George Russell keeps his cool against Kimi Antonelli

Sitting firmly in second place in the championship after three races, George Russell heads into the Miami round with a straightforward approach: staying focused on himself. Between his internal rivalry with Kimi Antonelli, areas for improvement, and his contract situation, the Briton has taken stock.

A solid start to the season… and momentum to maintain

Second in the championship behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, George Russell has gotten off to a strong start this season. After winning in Australia, he watched the Italian follow up with victories in China and Japan, setting the stage for an internal rivalry that is as intriguing as it is challenging to manage.

As the Miami Grand Prix approaches—the first race after the April break—the Mercedes driver exudes a certain calm. “I felt great before the break, and I still do today,” he told F1.com.

Aware of the fatigue inherent in the back-to-back races, Russell points out an often-overlooked fact: everyone is playing with the same cards. The Briton has also used this break to work extensively with his team, particularly on the simulator, to address certain “unforeseen issues” encountered early in the season.

A duel he's ready for… but without obsession

Against Antonelli, the battle is very real. But Russell refuses to fall into the trap of a duel that could become all-consuming. “Mercedes will give us 100% equal chances, as always.”

A clear nod to the Hamilton–Rosberg era, when the Brackley-based team had already let its drivers battle on equal footing—sometimes to the point of sparks flying.

Still, Russell keeps a cool head. “I hope it'll just be the two of us fighting for the title, but we can't get carried away.”

And for good reason: recent F1 history is full of dramatic turnarounds. He cites 2022 himself, when Ferrari seemed untouchable… before Red Bull turned the tables.

The underlying message is clear: the championship is decided over the long haul, not in just three races.

McLaren lying in wait, Mercedes on the right track

Russell isn't losing sight of the competition either. McLaren, in particular, remains in his sights. “At Suzuka, Piastri could have won without the safety car.”

Proof that the gap remains narrow, despite a base considered “very solid” on the Mercedes side. The correlation between the track and the simulator is good—a key indicator in modern development—but the Brit knows that the pecking order can shift quickly.

“I'm focusing on myself”

That's undoubtedly the phrase that best sums up his approach. “I don't think about Kimi, I don't think about the championship. I focus on myself.”

An almost austere philosophy, but one that's incredibly effective. Russell relies on consistency: scoring big on good days, minimizing damage on the toughest ones. An approach befitting a seasoned veteran… at 28 years old.

The Briton has also identified several very specific areas for improvement: starts, restarting after a safety car, and certain procedural errors.

He specifically cites Japan, where these details cost him dearly against Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. “If I fix these issues, we'll be in a very different situation.”

Nothing spectacular, but in Formula 1, it's often these little grains of sand that jam the big machines.

Miami in his sights, without unnecessary pressure

The next race will take place in Miami, a track where Antonelli particularly shone last year. Is that enough to add extra pressure? Not really. “It was his favorite track, but I had 20 others where I felt very comfortable.”

The response is almost mischievous. Russell refuses to place too much importance on a single weekend. Once again, he takes a big-picture view.

Finally, on the subject of his contract, Russell is just as composed. Already confirmed for 2026 alongside Antonelli, he brushes aside the questions with a wave of his hand: “I'll be there next year, that's all.”

A multi-year contract, a stable relationship with Mercedes, and a confident belief in his ability to achieve the set goals. In short, no clouds on the horizon—at least for now.

A mature approach in a tense environment

In a season that promises to be fiercely contested, George Russell is moving forward methodically. No flashy statements, no psychological warfare: just hard work, analysis, and a clear roadmap.

Old-school, some might say. But in an often turbulent paddock, this kind of restraint could very well make the difference when it comes time to tally the points.

And as the old motorsport adage goes: it's not always the fastest who wins… but often the most consistent.