George Russell has posted a statement on social media to “speak from the heart” after his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli secured the F1 Drivers’ Championship on Sunday.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff revealed Russell was “distraught” in Mexico and went home after congratulating Antonelli on becoming world champion.
The FIA gave Mercedes a €5,000 (£4,173) fine as Russell missed his mandatory media duties post-race, but the British driver has made his own first public comments on Monday.
“Now feels like a pretty suitable moment to speak from the heart,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This season started off exactly how I had hoped but it very quickly unravelled with tough luck and poor performances.
“It’s been the first proper season of my career where I’ve had more bad days than good. Has it been tough to deal with? Yes, very. Has it been tough to pick myself up week in, week out? Yes, very. Confusion at times? Often. All I know is that I’ve given it my all and 2026 was not meant to be my year.”
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George Russell said last week he wants to be more consistent as the Mercedes driver turns his attention to challenging for the world title next year
Russell began the season as the clear title favourite but has been comprehensively outperformed by Antonelli, who became F1’s youngest ever world champion at the age of 20, with four rounds remaining.
Antonelli has won nine races compared to Russell’s three and the latter has dropped to fourth in the Drivers’ Championship after a power unit issue left him with sub-optimal power on the opening lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Russell continued: “I want to sincerely congratulate Kimi on what has been an absolutely incredible season. You truly deserve the Championship.
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How Kimi Antonelli’s championship-winning moment sounded with Italian commentary
“Thank you to the team for producing the best car and power unit this season; it’s been inspiring to see everyone coming together over four tough years to bring Mercedes back to the top.
“Now, all I can promise is that for the rest of this season, and into the next one, I will be giving my absolute all to rediscover the performance I have been capable of producing for the majority of my career and fingers crossed a little bit of luck returns.
“Thanks for all the support.”
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Kimi Antonelli watches back a montage of videos from his journey from go-karting, to F1’s youngest champion
Sky Sports F1’s live Sao Paulo GP Schedule
Thursday November 5
5pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
8pm: Paddock Uncut
Friday November 6
3pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 3.30pm)*
5.30pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
6.45pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 7pm)
8.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday November 7
2.15pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 2.30pm)*
5pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
6pm: SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday November 8
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX*
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo City GP reaction
8pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to Brazil for the final leg of the triple header with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW
