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Ralf Schumacher has claimed that George Russell ‘can’t handle’ the pressure amid his Formula 1 title fight with Kimi Antonelli.
Over the weekend, the 2026 F1 title battle between Russell and Antonelli reached a boiling point after the pair made contact during Saturday’s Sprint race.
On Sunday, the Silver Arrows were battling for P1 before Russell suffered a power unit failure on Lap 30, handing Antonelli another Grand Prix victory.
After his W17 stopped on track, Russell was visibly frustrated as he threw his headrest onto the track, landing him a suspended fine from the FIA.
Following Antonelli’s victory in Canada, Russell is now 43 points behind his Mercedes teammate in the F1 standings.
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Ralf Schumacher claims George Russell ‘can’t handle’ the pressure
Reacting to the race, Schumacher claimed that Russell is failing to handle the pressure of being in a title race with Antonelli.
However, the German did state that Russell, 28, is ‘incredibly fast’.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher said: “Kimi is now taking the next step; he wants to move forward and lead the team.
“He’s not giving George a chance to breathe anymore, constantly putting him under pressure. George is incredibly fast, but he can’t handle pressure well.”
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George Russell claims he has ‘nothing to lose’ after Kimi Antonelli extended his lead
Although he has been adamant that he will not give up on the fight, Russell has now admitted that the title is Antonelli’s ‘to lose’
The Brit went on to say that he will try and win every race as he has ‘nothing to lose’.
Russell said: “Right now it’s his to lose. He is so many points ahead. It feels like the gods don’t want me to be in this fight. But you know, the pressure’s off. Go out, enjoy every single race. Try to win every single race. I’ve got nothing to lose.
“It is, of course, frustrating, but I want to be in that fight. Hopefully, the luck will turn.”
Russell will now be looking forward to the Monaco Grand Prix, where he has the first opportunity to close the gap between himself and Antonelli.
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