‘Senior figures’ in the F1 paddock agree on the problem with George Russell

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George Russell is perhaps not having the 2026 season that many, including himself, expected. ‘Senior figures’ in the paddock are now all saying the same thing.

The Brit was the overwhelming favourite for the title in 2026, but he has won just two of the opening nine races. Teammate Kimi Antonelli has five victories to his name and has been in control at the front.

His non-points finish at the British GP allowed his teammate to close the gap to 25 points with P2. But Russell was ‘dejected’ throughout the weekend, even telling Netflix camera crews to ‘go away’ as he suffered issues with his W17.

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‘Senior figures’ in the F1 paddock agree that George Russell is ‘overthinking’

Russell complained about straight-line speed at Silverstone, saying that his rivals were pulling away too easily. But Mercedes boss Toto Wolff shut down this narrative after the race.

Instead, Mercedes believe Russell may have a talent issue. They say he is underdriving the car, whereas Antonelli can use his ‘innate skill’ to extract the maximum from it.

Bad luck has not helped Russell’s chances this season, but it is clear that Antonelli has the advantage and that that is getting to him. Journalist Jennie Gow says ‘senior figures’ in the paddock believe he is ‘overthinking’, which is ultimately affecting his driving.

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She said via the Essential F1 podcast: “Qualifying, he was, I think, quite far away from Kimi Antonelli. And if the race had gone as we expected, he would have been far away from Kimi Antonelli.

“The reliability is what’s hurting Kimi, not his form. And it’s the form that’s hurting George, not the reliability, even though he’s had a few retirements.

“And I think, speaking to people in the paddock, speaking to engineers and some senior people in the paddock that I won’t name, he’s overthinking it.

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“He’s got inside his head. He’s overthinking it. I think having the opportunity to win a title coming into the season must have been so great.

“To think, ‘This is my time. No one else is going to challenge me. I’ve got the fastest car. The engine’s good. I’ve got a young person who went to pieces last year. This title is mine.’

“And then after the first race thinking, ‘Hey, I’m on it!’ To then be caught to task, I suppose, and saying, ‘Hang on a minute, this isn’t going to go your way’ and every time he gets in the car he’s thinking, ‘What can I do?’ I think he’s gone into a slight panic mode.”