Kimi Antonelli’s behaviour after Canada press conference shows George Russell ‘tensions’

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What Kimi Antonelli did following a press conference in Canada has raised suspicions of ‘tensions’ between him and George Russell.

Over the weekend, Russell and Antonelli went wheel-to-wheel for the first time as the 2026 Formula 1 campaign continued in Montreal, Canada.

Following a dramatic Sprint incident, Russell and Antonelli were at it again during Sunday’s Grand Prix.

The pair battled for the lead and left their rivals behind; however, disaster struck for Russell on Lap 30 as his battery failed.

In the end, Antonelli won the Canadian Grand Prix, taking the chequered flag ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Following Russell’s retirement in Canada, Antonelli now leads by 43 points at the top of the standings.

Are Kimi Antonelli’s F1 title chances higher or lower than 70%?

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‘Tensions’ between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell amid F1 title fight

Speaking on the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast, press-conference host Tom Clarkson hinted at the tension between the Mercedes drivers.

He went on to reveal that Antonelli and Russell did not look at each other during the post-Sprint press conference. 

Clarkson said: “They didn’t look at each other. They came in separately off camera in the press conference.

“It was interesting that he actually wanted to come over and chat to me because he just did not want to walk out with George. So, you know, tensions were high.”

Meanwhile, ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer interviewed Antonelli and Russell immediately after the Sprint, stating the Italian was visibly frustrated.

Palmer added: “Kimi got out of the car, there was not a hint of a smile. There was still frustration there. They are really well media-trained.

“I think Toto banging on on the radio, saying wind it back, we need to keep it in house. It obviously worked.”

Here’s how the championship standings look after the Canadian Grand Prix! Does George Russell have to take more risks now?

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READ MORE: George Russell thinks he’s the ‘chosen one’ at Mercedes despite Kimi Antonelli win streak

Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have reached ‘flashpoint’ after Canadian Grand Prix

The Canadian Grand Prix was the first time the Silver Arrows have clashed, and with the title race hotting up, the pair are bound to come together again further down the line.

Amid comparisons to the title fight between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg back in 2016, Palmer believes the Antonelli vs Russell battle has reached a ‘flashpoint’.

Palmer said: “When Toto’s coming on the radio and telling you to shut up, you accept nothing’s going to happen, and you get your head down, and that’s basically what happened.

“But, internally, no doubt, there are still disagreements

“You could tell the body language has shifted, hasn’t it? From happy days, really great, Kimi’s alongside me in one or two or vice versa, good points for the team. Feels different this weekend.

“So, we were talking teammate rivalries in that podcast a couple of weeks ago, and we were saying in all of them, you get a flashpoint. Feels like the flashpoint.”