Kimi Antonelli Wins the Championship; George Russell Breaks His Silence and Sets the Record Straight
From a controversial and debatable decision to written congratulations accompanied by a promise of redemption: George Russell breaks his silence following the race that crowned his teammate Kimi Antonelli in Mexico City, indirectly addressing the controversy sparked by his absence from the Mercedes celebrations and post-race media engagements. In a post on his social media page, the British driver addressed fans and enthusiasts to share how he’s feeling right now.
“It seems like the right time to speak from the heart,” he began. This season started exactly as I’d hoped, but it quickly became complicated by a mix of bad luck and underperformance. It was the first real season of my career where I experienced more bad days than good ones. Was it hard to deal with? Yes, very much so. Was it hard to pick myself up, week after week? Absolutely. Was there confusion at times? Often. All I know is that I gave it my all; 2026 just wasn’t meant to be my year.”
“I want to sincerely congratulate Kimi on what has been an absolutely incredible season. You truly deserve this title,” he added. “Thanks to the team for building the best car and the best power unit of the season; it’s been a great source of inspiration to see everyone united over the course of four difficult years to bring Mercedes back to the top.”
“Now, all I can promise is that for the rest of this season—and next season—I’ll give it my all to get back to the level of performance I’ve been able to show for most of my career, while keeping my fingers crossed that a little bit of luck comes my way too. “Thank you all for your support,” concluded the driver from Wisbech.
Russell’s words do not directly explain his reaction immediately after the checkered flag at the Mexican Grand Prix, but they offer a glimpse into why the Briton left the paddock before the team’s celebration began and avoided press obligations. This decision was also driven by frustration over yet another difficult race, which saw him slip from second on the grid to sixth at the finish, while his Italian teammate finished third and was crowned world champion.
Russell’s absence from media engagements cost Mercedes a 5,000-euro fine from the FIA for failing to participate in post-race interviews, but it was nonetheless justified by Team Principal Toto Wolff, who defended his driver while highlighting the sportsmanship he showed in immediately congratulating Antonelli right after the race before withdrawing from the spotlight. With this social media post, Russell sought to put the disappointments of 2026 behind him, renewing his determination for the future.
