Kimi Antonelli asserts he’ll be ready for George Russell’s ‘mind games’ during Mercedes title fight

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Mercedes are no strangers to a spicy F1 title fight involving both of their drivers, and Kimi Antonelli has asserted that he will be ready for any “mind games” George Russell has in store for him in 2026.

With the F1 circus now in Japan for the third round of the season, Mercedes are hoping to secure their third consecutive one-two following Russell’s win in the season-opener and Antonelli’s maiden Grand Prix victory at Shanghai.

The opening rounds have set 2026 up as a season in which the Silver Arrows may replicate their heyday from the start of the turbo-hybrid era. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg went toe-to-toe year in and year out, and things often got heated.

Mind games between Hamilton and Rosberg were rife at the time. While a feud between Antonelli and Russell is unlikely to reach the same heights as their predecessors, the Italian driver has noted that he will be ready for them.

• READ MORE: F1 experts share Japanese Grand Prix predictions including George Russell’s Suzuka victory chances

Kimi Antonelli asserts he will be ready for George Russell’s ‘mind games’ during 2026 F1 season

In an interview with Sky Italia at the Japanese Grand Prix, Antonelli was asked for his thoughts on a potential title fight with Russell this season.

Heading into the third round of the season this weekend at Suzuka, the British driver has a four-point advantage over his younger teammate. Russell’s experience has shone through, with the lead being attributed to his more consistent performance in the Shanghai Sprint.

Antonelli pinpointed Russell’s experience as a big help for the 28-year-old’s title chances, but still expects to be right there with him all year long.

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He said, “Experience helps, that’s for sure. Compared to last year, I already feel like a different person thanks to the experience I’ve gained.

“Ultimately, we’re the only two with the same car, so it could be a challenge between us. I’ll try to be ready in every respect, including any mind games. It’s a great opportunity, and I want to make the most of it.”

• READ MORE: Ferrari have now ‘denied’ reporting Mercedes to the FIA over their F1 front wing

Kimi Antonelli also noted the threat that McLaren pose during the 2026 F1 season

There’s no doubting that Mercedes have an edge over every other team on the grid at the moment, but there’s also scope for the pecking order to change as the season ensues.

When asked for the team that he thinks will be the most dangerous in the long term, the Italian replied, “Definitely Ferrari and McLaren.

“McLaren are still using the Barcelona test package, so when they bring major updates they could make a big leap, partly because they have the same engine as us. Ferrari are working well and the car is competitive.

“Then we’ll have to see about Red Bull: the weekend in China was strange, they were strong in Melbourne, so we’ll see.”

McLaren have a subtle edge over Mercedes through the weight of their chassis, which will allow the Woking-based team to fully optimise their package by already having a crucial aspect of the new regulations already worked out.