Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff gave his own assessment of how George Russell is stacking up in the title race after dropping points to his teammate, Kimi Antonelli.
Russell has been the odds-on favorite to start the year after getting the opening race win in Australia, but he has since seen himself drop down the toteum pole in the standings and on his own team.
Antonelli has adapted rather quickly to the car and new regulations, showing a level of racing never before seen from the Italian prodigy.
With the momentum and lead in hand, Antonelli will face the toughest challenge of his career to date — a hungry Russell looking to score points at a track he usually does well.
Oct 19, 2025; Austin, TX, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team driver George Russell (63) of Team Great Britain at the driversÕ parade at Circuit of The Americas Austin. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Wolff, when asked about Russell’s status after he failed to make the podium in Miami, had total confidence that his driver would rebound there.
“George is so experienced by now,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1 during the Miami GP. “Throughout the weekend we talked, and this is a bit of a bogey track for him. That is absolutely understood. I think nothing will be in the back of our heads when we go to Montreal.
“George is a killer. What makes him so good is that he never stops fighting and attacking. I’ve seen him throughout a career in karting, junior formula, and here.
“He’s going for this – he’s not going to leave any stone unturned. I have no doubt that the two of them are going to fight for points throughout the season.”
May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) during the F1 Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Russell is down 20 points to Antonelli heading into Canada, but it is still quite early in the season.
As the year continues, Antonelli will see increasing pressure, especially for such a young driver, which will put him in a tough spot.
This is where Russell’s experience, gained in F1, can come into play, handling all the questions and stress that come with being a competitive car.
However, despite his years of experience, Russell still lacks the time to be a legitimate title contender, meaning both he and Antonelli will have some on-the-fly learning to do.