George Russell Feels “Good and Confident” Ahead of Miami GP Despite Antonelli Attack

The 2026 Formula 1 season has been a godsend to the Mercedes F1 team. After years of painfully struggling to find performance under the old ground-effect aerodynamics, the Brackley outfit is officially back at the sharp end of the grid.

They have a rocket ship of a race car. But for George Russell, the biggest threat to his first world championship isn’t wearing a Red Bull or Ferrari race suit. Instead, it’s the 19-year-old rookie sensation sitting right across the garage.

Kimi Antonelli has taken his 2026 season by storm, surging to the top of the drivers’ standings and launching a full-scale assault on the championship. Yet, despite the pressure of this Antonelli attack, Russell is feeling strong.

Speaking from the IWC Schaffhausen booth at the Watches and Wonders 2026 exhibition in Geneva, the British driver made it crystal clear that he’s locked in and comfortable as the F1 circus edges closer to the week of the Miami Grand Prix.

The Silver Arrows Return to the Top of the Standings

The massive 2026 regulation overhaul was a reset button for the entire championship, and Mercedes has seemingly nailed it for the first three rounds of the season.

“I think the previous set of rules for us in Formula 1 we just struggled to get on top of and this new set of regulations, this new car, this new engine is more aligned to what we know as a team and probably suiting our strengths,” the Briton said. “And I think this belief of wanting to get Mercedes back on top is what’s really propelled us to this point in time.”

With a car that finally responds to his inputs without biting his head off, Russell is looking at the big picture. He might have had a challenging weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, but this hasn’t let it faze him.

“Yeah, feeling great ahead of Miami,” he continued. “Of course, it’s been for us as a team an amazing start to the year. For me personally, it started off really, really well. Had a challenging race in Japan, but it’s a hell of a long season, and the most important thing is we got a really good package beneath us.

“I’m feeling good, feeling confident. This small mini break has been a good reset, and I’m ready to to go for it again.”