George Russell now fears that Mercedes have ‘jumped on the Kimi Antonelli bandwagon’

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George Russell’s start to 2026 has now got him worried that Mercedes have jumped on the bandwagon of his teammate Kimi Antonelli and are starting to leave him behind.

Backed as the favourite at the start of the year, the momentum has shifted to Antonelli. The Italian has won the last four races, while his teammate is struggling to keep up.

Which driver would you rather have RIGHT NOW: Charles Leclerc or Kimi Antonelli?

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Russell’s retirement at the Canadian GP puts him 43 points behind Antonelli heading into the Monaco Grand Prix. His mechanical failure spoiled what was a brilliant but intense battle between the Mercedes drivers.

Following this ordeal and various closed-door meetings, Otmar Szafnauer has warned that Mercedes will prioritise one driver for the championship. Russell is starting to fear that it is already happening.

George Russell fears Mercedes have ‘jumped on the Kimi Antonelli bandwagon’ for 2026

According to a report from Blick, Russell is ‘already seeing ghosts everywhere’. Almost everyone saw him as the clear favourite for the 2026 title, with Mercedes having the best package on the grid.

Russell underestimated Antonelli, as he did not name him as a title rival. That has come back to bite him as the Italian is displaying exceptional form, and Mercedes have shifted focus.

Russell already believes ‘Mercedes have jumped on the Antonelli bandwagon’. He is making history in 2026 and is on course to win Italy’s first drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari.

Naturally, Toto Wolff will not reveal his plans for the team, but Russell will certainly not like Antonelli getting the preferential treatment.

Should Toto Wolff stay off the radio when Kimi Antonelli and George Russell battle?

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Russell believes he is the ‘chosen one’, given he is now team leader after Lewis Hamilton left for Ferrari. His experience in F1 gives him the edge over Antonelli, but right now, he is falling behind.

Luck does play into it somewhat, with Russell doubling down on the ‘gods’ not being on his side. But Antonelli is making it work with the W17 and seems to have the upper hand with the new regulations.

Russell was meant to bounce back in Canada, one of his stronger tracks, but his DNF, and with Monaco being tipped to be Ferrari’s hunting ground, he could fall even further back if he does not find his feet.