George Russell has claimed that his failure in securing the 2026 Formula 1 Championship wouldn’t break him. It has been certain that Kimi Antonelli would win his maiden title, as it would be an easy task
to secure 2 points at Mexico. The British driver was the favourite to win the championship in the pre-season but that hasn’t been the case.
He wasn’t able to keep up his consistency and his lack of pace has cost him dearly. Russell also admitted that he has learnt a lot from this year, even more than the previous years. The Mercedes driver remains confident in bouncing back stronger for the next season despite his current season struggles.
“[Looking at my] career as a whole, it’s not going to break me. If anything, it’s going to make me stronger. I’ve probably learned more about myself this year than I would have liked to, in all honesty. You know, the highs and lows you go through in sport are immense, and that’s because we all care so much for what we’re doing,” stated George Russell on how his form could impact him. The youngster could be aware that he has got a long way to go ahead and he would be keen on improving himself.
This mentality from George through the highs and lows 💙
“It’s going to make me stronger” 💪
#F1 #MexicoGP https://t.co/EwR9oifVXc
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 30, 2026
Russell’s difficult second half pushes him to 2nd position
Despite sitting 2nd in the 2026 Formula 1 Driver standings with 242 points, 3 wins, and 8 podiums over the course of the season, his form has been disappointing. He was in terrific form at the start of the championship but his form dipped after his victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Russell stated that the reason for his form dip was the contrasting technical equipment of his vehicle. He revealed that the power units and high rear tyre pressures worked against his natural driving style, creating an element of doubt in the driver. Mercedes would be looking to alter the car modifications according to the driving style of George Russell for the next season.
“But I remind myself I’m 28 years old. I see Lewis [Hamilton] still competing extremely well at 41 and Fernando [Alonso] at 44. Lewis won the majority of his titles in his 30s, and this year is absolutely not going to define my career as a whole; But, you know, I look at the long game—you have to take the rough with the smooth, and going through these tough weekends is what shapes you into a stronger driver and competitor,” added George Russell.
In the upcoming race in Mexico, Russell would be looking to rediscover his form to bring out his best. Lewis Hamilton could overtake Russell as the difference between the two is just a point. He would be looking to guard his 2nd place in the Championship as climbing the ranking is almost impossible.
