Russell rejects Coulthard plea to 'get elbows out' on Antonelli at Miami GP
Photo: Race Pictures
18:41, 30 Apr
0 Comments
Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Mercedes' George Russell is adamant he wants a clean and fair fight with teammate Kimi Antonelli should the pair engage in a battle for the Drivers' world title. The Briton responded to former F1 driver David Coulthard's call to "get his elbows out" against Antonelli, instead arguing he can win without "gamesmanship."
Coming into the 2026 season, Russell was backed by many to be the favourite for the Drivers' title, but after consecutive wins in Shanghai and Suzuka, it is Antonelli who tops the standings, as F1's youngest ever leader.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, former McLaren and Red Bull man Coulthard has called on Russell to drop a 'Mr Nice Guy' persona and "start eroding that confidence within Kimi," urging the 28-year-old to "get his elbows out."
Russell, who admittedly has been unlucky with technical issues and a poorly-timed safety car at the last two races, trails his teammate by nine points heading into this weekend's Miami GP, but has rejected Coulthard's plea by backing his ability to win in a "fair and dignified way."
Speaking to CNN Sports at an IWC Schaffhausen event, Russell responded to Coulthard's comments: “That’s not how I go about my business.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Lewis Hamilton has won obviously a huge amount in his life, and he’s always won in a fair and dignified way, but then the flip side you’ve got other great champions who have won through gamesmanship and whatnot.
“I know what I stand for. I know the sort of person I am. I know what I’m capable of in the race car, and I don’t need to win through any of those means.”
Russell confident 2026 is not his only chance at a Drivers' title
Photo: Race Pictures
Russell opted to praise his teammate's "dream start" to the season, but reiterated that the championship still has a long way to go.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The start of this year for him has been a dream start to the season. From my side, I know what I’m capable of, and no championship has ever been won over three races, so for me, it’s just a long way to go.
“We can’t take these three races for granted … It doesn’t change how I go about my business. I’m still working so hard to ensure this momentum continues.”
While Russell's talent has been obvious for some time, 2026 represents the Briton's first realistic shot at the title. When asked on the pressure of that opportunity, the Mercedes academy graduate was strong in his belief that it will not be his last.
"I believe these opportunities will come more than once," Russell said.
“I think it’s very rare for somebody, in any industry, if you’re working so hard to achieve a certain goal, that you only ever get one shot.
ADVERTISEMENT
“This is my eighth season. This is my first time, but I’m still only 28 years old. I’m hoping this isn’t going to be the one and only shot. Nevertheless, I’m going to go for it this year.”
Read more about:
latest news
Miami Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
04:00 PM
Sprint Qualification
08:30 PM
Saturday 02.05.26
Sprint Race
04:00 PM
Qualification
08:00 PM
Sunday 03.05.26
Race
08:00 PM
Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
Fri 04:00 PM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 08:30 PM
Saturday 02.05.26
Sprint Race
Sat 04:00 PM
Qualification
Sat 08:00 PM
Sunday 03.05.26
Race
Sun 08:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
Antonelli set for Miami media duties as Verstappen and Hamilton missing
1396 times read
2
F1 LIVE: Follow Miami media day as F1 returns after the forced month-long break
739 times read
3
F1 Today | Mekies addresses Verstappen's future over 'GP' exit, Silverstone offers extra race in F1 calendar
701 times read
4
‘Verstappen tipped to secure any F1 seat he wants amid 2027 exit speculation’
611 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 72 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 63 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 49 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 41 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 25 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 21 | |
7 | HaasHAA | 17 | |
8 | AlpineALP | 15 | |
9 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 12 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 10 |
Loading
