Juan Pablo Montoya questions if George Russell can ‘recover’ if Kimi Antonelli wins Miami Grand Prix

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Juan Pablo Montoya has questioned whether George Russell will be able to ‘recover’ if Kimi Antonelli wins the Miami Grand Prix.

This weekend, the 2026 Formula 1 season finally returns following a month-long break due to races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia being cancelled.

So far, Mercedes have dominated the proceedings, with Russell winning in Australia before Antonelli secured impressive victories in China and Japan.

As things stand, 19-year-old star Antonelli is nine points ahead of Russell, who was previously named as the hot favourite to win the 2026 title.

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Juan Pablo Montoya questions if George Russell can ‘recover’ from another Kimi Antonelli victory

Speaking recently to AS Colombia, Montoya labelled this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix as ‘decisive’ in terms of the title fight.

The former Williams and McLaren driver questioned whether Russell will be able to ‘recover’ if Antonelli wins.

He also stated that there could be a ‘separation’ within Mercedes as the title battle continues to develop. 

Montoya said: “I think this weekend is, this is very decisive for the future of who will be world champions.

“Because, if Antonelli can beat George again, it will put a strong mark on George’s head, and I don’t know if George will recover. If George does recover, Antonelli will be a bit like ‘Well, the last two times I was lucky I won, this guy messed everything up and beat me today’.

“They are two teams, and each one wants to beat the other, and the more competitive they are, the more the separation will happen. That is where Toto has to come in and keep the core group working together.”

READ MORE: F1 fans now think Toto Wolff is using his own ‘papaya rules’ with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

George Russell compares the F1 title race to running a marathon

Despite trailing to his much younger and less experienced teammate, Russell appears calm about the situation; after all, the season is only three races old.

Speaking this week, Russell was asked whether Antonelli’s lead has changed ‘the dynamic at Mercedes’

As per Sky Sports, Russell said: “No, not at all. I got asked the question this morning, and we were talking about the London Marathon, and it made me think.

“The guy who’s running the London Marathon, after three miles, you’re not thinking about the finish line, because you’ve got 23 miles to go. And we’re in race four. It’s not even a consideration. Of course, he’s done an amazing job so far this year.

“The last race was a little bit unfortunate from my side. But these things, they go one way one weekend and then they swing back later in the year. I’m experienced enough to know how a championship works, and [there’s] a long way ahead.” 

Looking ahead, it is set to be a close battle between Russell and Antonelli, but the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull cannot be counted out as they continue to make improvements to their cars.