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George Russell has spoken about the rumours of ‘favouritism’ inside the Mercedes camp amid his title fight against Kimi Antonelli.
Soon after the 2026 Formula 1 campaign got underway, it became clear that Russell and Antonelli would be fighting each other for the world championship.
The Silver Arrows have so far won seven out of eight races, with Russell winning twice and Antonelli securing five victories.
Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona, his first since joining Ferrari, ended Mercedes’ dominant winning streak in 2026.
Following Antonelli’s fine form and five-race winning streak, it was rumoured that the young Italian should be prioritised over Russell to give Mercedes the best chance of securing both trophies.
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George Russell says Mercedes ‘favouritism’ rumours ‘doesn’t bother me’
Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend, Russell touched on the fact that he heard about the favouritism rumour through a grapevine.
In response, the 28-year-old stated that it is not true and also said that it does not bother him.
The Brit also confirmed that he and Antonelli are both ‘allowed’ to race each other unless the team’s objective to win maximum points is ‘under threat’.
Russell told the Daily Mail: “I asked my psychologist if I was being selfish by concentrating more on what I want, putting myself first. He said, no, it was being self-focused.
“But I am slightly more ruthless now. I turned down an invitation to a friend’s wedding because it didn’t work for me. I don’t need or read positives.
“But I did hear on the grapevine that there is chatter about favouritism (namely that Mercedes are pulling for Antonelli). It doesn’t bother me – and nor is it true.
“When I was younger, I might have wanted to tackle that accusation. But there are 2,000 people in the team, and they are all on a bonus if we win the constructors’ championship, so why would there be favouritism?
“We are both allowed to race, unless the team’s overriding aim to win the maximum points available is under threat.”
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After Russell’s victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, the gap between the two Mercedes drivers at the top of the world championship standings has been cut to 40 points, with Antonelli still leading.
Looking ahead, the Silver Arrows are likely to continue their on-track battle, with seven-time world champion Hamilton hoping to pick up the pieces if Russell and Antonelli come together.
Hamilton secured Sprint pole at the British Grand Prix after a stellar performance on Friday and is currently looking like the man to beat for the remainder of the weekend at Silverstone.
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