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George Russell has hinted that Mercedes’ rivals could start closing the gap after the conclusion of the Miami Grand Prix.
Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli have enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Silver Arrows look to have found the best solution to the sport’s new regulations, with the W17 in a class above the rest so far this year. Russell won in Australia before Antonelli secured back-to-back victories in China and Japan.
As a result, Antonelli is now emerging as the favourite to win the world title as he leads Russell by nine points.
Although Mercedes have made a strong start, rival teams are expected to bring multiple upgrades in the upcoming races in order to catch up.
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George Russell says teams could close gap to Mercedes in Canada
Speaking recently at an event held at Silverstone, Russell claimed that there could be a ‘small shift’ at the Canadian Grand Prix, which will take place towards the end of May.
As reported by Sky Sports, Russell said: “I think we are obviously in a really strong position at the moment.
“Usually, Miami is the race that teams bring their sort of main first major upgrades to the cars, but with how the calendar has fallen this year, that’s now moved to Montreal.
“I think Montreal is where we’re going to see maybe a small shift if anybody is going to close the gap to us. We’ve got a bit in our pocket that we’re going to try and bring to Canada.”
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George Russell praises the FIA after recent regulation changes
Following several meetings, it was revealed that multiple changes will be made to the 2026 F1 regulations, with the aim of addressing driveability and safety concerns raised by the drivers.
Reacting to the changes, Russell said the FIA did a ‘good job’ but hopes the updated rules will still keep Mercedes at the top of the pile.
“The sport is just so complex, you’ve seen these new regs, it’s giving exciting racing, but it’s really complicated for the drivers.
“I think the FIA have done a good job to make that a bit easier, but hopefully it keeps us on top. I don’t really care about the rest, to be honest.”
After a month-long break, F1 will finally return next week with the much-anticipated Miami Grand Prix, where Russell will be looking to close the gap to Antonelli.
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