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F1: George Russell on 'Tough' Season After Kimi Antonelli Wins Title
Russell said reliability problems and a 10-second penalty ruined his race as Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli sealed the title.
On Sunday, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the sport's youngest-ever world champion at 20 years old.
George Russell suffered an unexpected energy deployment failure that dropped him from second to sixth after starting on the front row, then received a 10-second penalty for colliding with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff defended Russell after he skipped mandatory post-race media duties, describing him as 'distraught' following a 'catastrophic moment,' leading the FIA to fine the team €5,000.
Congratulating his teammate on Monday, Russell admitted this season had more 'bad days than good' and vowed to give his absolute all to rediscover his performance for the remainder of 2026 and into next year.
Preparing for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, Russell plans to conduct a 'deep look in the mirror' to analyze performance inconsistencies, aiming to regain momentum and rebuild form for the 2027 season.