Kimi Antonelli answers whether he’ll ‘avoid’ Mercedes conflict with George Russell in 2026

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Kimi Antonelli has put himself in the title picture in 2026, which could make for a strong battle at Mercedes with George Russell.

The Silver Arrows duo have a victory each in 2026, with Russell winning in Australia. Antonelli grabbed his maiden F1 win in China, leading the race for all but one lap.

The Italian is four points behind his teammate in the standings heading into the Japanese Grand Prix. It has left people wondering if Antonelli could pose a serious threat to Russell, with the Brit being backed as the favourite to win the championship.

David Coulthard thinks Antonelli now sees Russell as a title rival and not a teammate. But while the 19-year-old will be looking to fight him all the way in 2026, he is not looking for drama.

Kimi Antonelli ‘definitely’ wants to avoid contact with George Russell in 2026

Toto Wolff has hinted at favouring Russell for the championship, having established him as the team’s lead driver. He sees Antonelli as a future star, but he could be in with a shout of the title this season.

Wolff knows all too well what it is like to have both of his drivers fight for the championship. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg clashed heavily during their time as teammates, with the relationship ending sourly after the latter’s retirement.

Mercedes will have learned how to manage their drivers from that drama, and Antonelli is not looking to repeat Hamilton and Rosberg’s feud.

Speaking to Motorsport Italia, he was to avoid contact with Russell at all costs: “I’m perfectly aware that there needs to be a good dynamic within the team, and obviously, we’re both super competitive, but there’s a lot of respect and we respect each other.

“I’m definitely the type of person who doesn’t want that kind of situation to happen.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli would not see second as a ‘defeat’ in 2026

Even if Antonelli were to miss out on the championship to Russell, he would not look at that result as a defeat. After winning his maiden Grand Prix, he thinks he has proven that he can perform at a high level in F1.

“In the end, last year I already showed glimpses of what I could do,” he said. “Obviously, I was never able to fully realise my potential, and that’s something I’m trying to focus on this year, because I have a great opportunity in my hands.

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“George and I have a really strong car, so I want to try to do my best, to make the most of this opportunity. I know this isn’t an opportunity that comes along every day, so I have to try. I’ll definitely try to be ready and keep trying until the end, because I’m in a great position, I’m on a great team.”

Asked if he would see finishing second as a defeat, he replied: “No, it wouldn’t be a defeat, but now I’ve won a GP and I know I can repeat that, because winning is just too good.”