George Russell warned that Kimi Antonelli’s ceiling may actually be ‘a lot higher’ at Mercedes

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George Russell has been warned that Kimi Antonelli’s ceiling at Mercedes may actually be ‘a lot higher’. 

Russell, 28, came into the 2026 Formula 1 season as the clear favourite to win the world championship ahead of his teenage teammate Antonelli.

However, after just four races, Antonelli has asserted himself as the man to beat as he currently leads Russell by 20 points.

Last weekend, Antonelli produced an impressive drive in Miami as he won the Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Looking ahead, Russell must bounce back in Canada to remind the world that he is still up for the title fight.

Do you think Kimi Antonelli will become Mercedes’ No. 1 driver?

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Will Buxton sends clear warning to George Russell amid Kimi Antonelli title fight

Speaking on the latest episode of the SPEED podcast, Will Buxton warned Russell that Antonelli’s ceiling at Mercedes may actually be ‘a lot higher’.

The F1 journalist stated that if Russell does not ‘punch back’ in Canada, it will take a lot for him to get back into the race.

Buxton said: “George has got to step up his game. He absolutely has to punch back in Canada, if Kimi wins again in Canada, that’s beating a guy while he’s down. It’s going to take a lot for George to bounce back from that.

“But this is where we will learn, does George have what it takes. Will he bounce back, because if he can’t, the question is answered.”

Will the Mercedes drivers fall out this year?

Or will Toto Wolff keep the peace like McLaren did?

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When asked if Antonelli’s performances could push Russell out of Mercedes, Buxton added: “Well, I think, look, if Max Verstappen is out there and Toto Wolff starts courting Max Verstappen again, he isn’t going to get rid of Kimi if Kimi is the world champion.

“George is a phenomenal racing driver, but if Kimi, in a year, can turn up, match him, best him, the ceiling may be a lot higher for Kimi, and we’re seeing it already.

“But, it’s very, very, early to be able to tell that. As we know, in racing, what George has to do is go away, regroup, come back and fire back. And if he can’t, well, then Mercedes has its new star.”

READ MORE: Karun Chandhok says George Russell is showing the same weakness as Oscar Piastri in F1 title race

Toto Wolff backs ‘killer’ George Russell despite poor run of form

Speaking after the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff labelled Russell as a ‘killer’ and claimed that the Brit is ‘looking forward’ to Montreal.

As reported by RacingNews365, Wolff said: “I’ve always said that George wouldn’t be a grand prix winner if he wasn’t a killer.

“These things, by the way he analyses them, look at the data and come to his conclusions, and the conclusion is that he’s never been quite at ease with the track.

“He’s never really liked the smooth surface, and that’s it. [Just] tick the box, and tomorrow, he is looking forward to Montreal, and there are 18 races to go.

“There are many points to score, I don’t think he sees any relevance from his side to think about what could be [the impact of Miami] at the end of the year.”