George Russell has revealed the status of his relationship with Kimi Antonelli as the battle between the Mercedes teammates for supremacy resumes at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
Mercedes have started 2026 in dominant fashion, winning two out of the opening three races, setting it on a course for a title run.
Drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have both taken victories, comfortably ahead of the rest of the field, underpinning their dominance.
But rather than Russell, it is Antonelli who has taken the early season momentum, winning two of out three races, and returns this weekend to the track where he took sprint pole position in 2025.
But Russell confirmed that his relationship with Antonelli remains unchanged, revealing that the team has yet to discuss the implications of an intra-team title battle.
“Not at all, to be honest,” Russell said to media, including Motorsport Week.
“I think we’re both professionals, we’ve still got a very good relationship, and it is something that we’re not even talking about, to be honest.
“Within the team, it is not even being spoken about.”
George Russell focused on car performance
Russell harked back to the days of Mercedes battling Ferrari for inspiration in approaching his 2026 campaign, revealing he is approaching the year with the same attitude.
“I remember when I was a junior driver here in 2017-2018, when the fight was pretty strong with Ferrari, the championship wasn’t even on anybody’s mind.
“What was on everybody’s mind was performance and getting the maximum from every single weekend, developing the car.
“That’s my personal mentality, I can’t speak for Kimi, but that’s how it is for now.”
Russell’s stance is carefully worded and is a clear effort to dispel any rumours that tensions are rising at Mercedes.
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