Kimi Antonelli: George Russell Reveals He’s Working with a Psychologist
Mercedes driver George Russell said in an interview with racingnews365 that he has been working with a sports psychologist for years, who has helped him at various stages of his career, including during this challenging season. “I’ve been working with a sports psychologist for several years now, since 2020. The main goal is to help me perform at my best, but also to support the team, manage the pressure of a race weekend as effectively as possible, and channel my energy throughout the season.”
“It’s not necessarily about getting help during the really tough moments. Of course, it’s a big help, but I’m very lucky to have a group of fantastic people around me, like my girlfriend, Toto Wolff, and several people on the team who have supported me.”
Russell is facing a difficult 2026: Andrea Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, leads the World Championship and holds a 59-point advantage over the British driver, who is still struggling to get the hang of the new car. “These sessions with the psychologist help, including reminding me of what I’m capable of and what I’ve accomplished throughout my career. When I think about my successes, I remember what I’m capable of, and that gives me self-confidence.”
Former driver Johnny Herbert explained how the situation is wearing the Brit down: “I think this situation is wearing him down; it seems like every time he gets in the car, he takes a beating. We all said this was going to be George’s year, but it didn’t turn out that way.” According to Juan Pablo Montoya, what makes everything even more complicated is Antonelli’s own personality: “The dynamic is complicated because Kimi is incredibly fast, and he’s also a very likable person. When a guy is fast and a jerk, it’s much easier to deal with him and build up that anger that gives you the momentum to take him down. But Kimi is different—he’s so nice… I think George needs to find a way to stand up to Kimi.”
Russell also has to watch his back on the contract front. Rumors of a possible move by Max Verstappen to Mercedes are adding further pressure on the King’s Lynn driver, whose contract expires at the end of 2026 (with an option to extend through 2027) and who is well aware that his seat could be in jeopardy.
