Russell admits Antonelli has made 'perfect start' to Mercedes 2026 title battle

Russell, widely tipped to be the favourite for this year's Drivers' title, has been somewhat upstaged by his young Italian teammate, with Antonelli leading the standings, nine points ahead of the Briton, after two consecutive victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.

Russell followed up his season-opening victory at Melbourne with the Sprint win in Shanghai, but whether it be down to technical issues or a badly-timed Safety Car at the next two Grands Prix, he has seemingly lost that momentum to 19-year-old Antonelli.

But as the Briton says, it is a long season ahead, which is why he may feel willing to so heavily praise his teammate prior to any intra-Mercedes title battle really heating up.

Speaking at a IWC Schaffhausen event in Geneva, Russell spoke on what it was like to have Antonelli as a teammate, praising the young driver for his strong start to 2026.

Russell said: "Yeah, it's great having Kimi as my team-mate. Of course, an incredibly quick driver, and he's shown that ever since we've been teammates throughout last year.

"This has been an incredibly perfect start to the year for him. And I'm looking forward to trying to fight again with him in the upcoming races. But I think all of us at that age, you got so much excitement, motivation for everything that's ahead."

"I remember when I was 19 years old and pursuing a dream, which I'm still pursuing today, which is to become a Formula 1 world champion."

Russell was also asked how he was feeling prior to the Miami Grand Prix, adding that he is excited to "go for it again."

With a particular view towards Miami's track characteristics, Russell noted that rain could possibly play a crucial role.

"I really enjoy the circuit in Miami. It's fast, it's flowing, you have a really tight section towards the end of the track, usually lots of good overtaking opportunities. It's hot.

"There's been a lot of potential bad weather around in the years gone by, but it's always seemingly just missed us. So that's also something that can play a part in Miami."