George Russell insists he remains firmly in the Formula 1 title fight despite conceding momentum to Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli’s third consecutive win – secured from pole and by a margin of 3.2 seconds over Lando Norris – has shifted the early championship narrative. The 19-year-old now leads Russell by 20 points after four races.
For Russell, Miami underlined the growing contrast within Mercedes. While Antonelli controlled proceedings, the Briton endured a difficult weekend and finished fourth, more than 40 seconds behind – his toughest showing of the campaign.
Yet Russell is refusing to overreact.
He acknowledged Antonelli’s form but pointed to the unpredictable nature of a long season, drawing on both his own experience and recent championship swings as reason for optimism.
“Clearly he’s in a really great place at the moment and momentum is with him,” Russell said. “But I’ve got enough experience from championships I’ve won to know how momentum can change.
“I’m not even really thinking about the gap. I just want to get back onto the top step of the podium.”
Russell had opened the season strongly, winning in Australia, but Antonelli’s rapid rise – three wins in succession – has flipped the dynamic inside Mercedes and elevated the teenager to title favourite.
Despite that shift, Russell has been quick to credit Antonelli’s ability without conceding ground psychologically.
“He’s a fantastic driver and has been exceptionally quick since day one,” he said. “But I’ve still got confidence in myself. I’ve not forgotten how to drive. It’s just a tricky run at the moment.”
Miami exposed some of those struggles. Russell admitted the circuit’s low-grip characteristics did not suit his style, and while he salvaged fourth, he lacked the pace to challenge at the front.
“The beginning felt OK, but on the hard tyre I was nowhere,” he explained. “We made some changes late on that helped, but overall it wasn’t a good weekend.”
That next opportunity comes in Canada, a venue where Russell has previously excelled, and one both he and Antonelli expect could tighten the fight again.
“It’s still a very long season and many things can change,” Antonelli said. “George is always very strong in Canada, so I expect him to be right back at the front.”
Outside the Mercedes garage, Antonelli’s performances have also drawn praise from Norris.
“At that age, to perform like this and beat a teammate with more experience, it’s impressive,” Norris said. “He’s doing everything right at the moment.”
For Russell, the challenge now is clear. While he remains composed publicly, the combination of a 20-point deficit and being outperformed by a teammate represents a significant early-season test.
Momentum may belong to Antonelli – but Russell is betting on experience and a long season to bring him back into contention.
