Johnny Herbert tells Kimi Antonelli he must be ‘very selfish’ in title fight with George Russell

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Kimi Antonelli has been thrust into the spotlight at the start of his sophomore season in F1, with pundit Johnny Herbert now telling the young Italian that he must be ‘very selfish’ at Mercedes in order to beat George Russell in the 2026 title fight.

Following a relatively successful rookie season in F1 with Mercedes that saw him score three podiums last year, Kimi Antonelli now has his sights set on securing a maiden world championship in the category after winning two of the first three Grands Prix in 2026.

What advice would you give Kimi Antonelli for his title fight with George Russell this year?

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Despite George Russell enjoying lead driver status during the 19-year-old’s debut season, the gap between the two Silver Arrows has seemingly vanished, with Antonelli currently leading the F1 standings by nine points.

Of course, the world championship is still very much in its infancy at the moment, but Antonelli has already addressed the use of mind games from his Mercedes counterpart, asserting that he will be ready for anything that Russell tries to throw at him this year.

• READ MORE: Audi have already signed the next ‘Antonelli-like super talent’ for their Formula 1 programme

Johnny Herbert tells Kimi Antonelli he must be ‘selfish’ in F1 title fight vs George Russell

In the latest episode of the Stay on Track podcast with Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill, the former F1 driver duo was asked for the one piece of advice that they would give Antonelli ahead of his potential title fight with the Briton.

Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner in F1, said, “He’s a young guy, he’s leading the championship, and he’s having a good fight with his teammate George Russell at the moment.

“But what would I tell him? I think I would say, ‘Don’t be friends with George.’ You’ve just got to be very selfish about the position that he’s in.”

How can Toto Wolff avoid a Hamilton-Rosberg situation with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell this season?

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Co-host and 1996 world champion Hill wholeheartedly agreed with Herbert’s words, adding, “You’re right. It’s a professional relationship, and I totally agree with what you said.

“I’m having a chat with Jacques [Villeneuve]. We’re doing some stuff with Williams and we’re talking about our time together.

“There was respect, but there was also the understanding that I will do everything I can to beat you within what is sporting. [Kimi] is learning that.”

• READ MORE: Nigel Mansell says ‘everyone’ is rooting for Kimi Antonelli in the F1 title race with George Russell

F1 insiders have seen a different side to George Russell this season

With Russell now in his fifth year of racing for Mercedes, the 28-year-old is reportedly showing signs of feeling the pressure of his very first title shot in F1.

Paddock insiders say Russell is a shell of his former self amid the ‘pressure’ of a championship battle. The last time the Briton found himself in the hunt for a title was in 2018, when he won the Formula 2 championship ahead of Lando Norris.

With Michael Schumacher’s first title for Ferrari coming in his fifth year of donning the famous red overalls, Russell has voiced his desire to emulate the F1 legend in the past.

Remarkably, the six-time Grand Prix winner’s prediction could actually come into fruition this year, but he must first dispatch his high-flying teammate.