George Russell hinted at the off-track troubles he faced behind his 2025 Singapore Grand Prix win.
In 2025, Russell took his second victory of the season, marking a break from the bad luck that he’s often been plagued with around the night track.
However, the 2026 season has panned out very differently for the Brit. Despite the promise that new regulations would put Russell ahead of the field early in the season, his teammate threatened to take over.
As the season has unfolded, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has stormed ahead, leading the championship by a healthy margin while Russell has faced issue after issue.
This year’s Singapore Grand Prix was another difficult weekend for Russell. The British driver crashed in the sprint race before fighting to finish ninth on Sunday.
However, in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF Sport, Russell was shown some images of him celebrating his 2025 victory with his partner Carmen Mundt. While viewing the images, the Brit hinted there was more going on beneath the surface.
“I mean, it was a very special weekend because there were a lot going on behind the scenes that not many people know about,” Russell explained regarding the photos.
He was asked if he would elaborate but simply said: “No, one day”
“Psychologically, my brain was quite busy; then going out, putting it on pole, winning the race, was a really special moment and having Carmen there as well.
“Why these photos and this moment were so important to me is because she was there through those moments off the track that I was dealing with, so this is the part that people don’t see.”
A new challenge in 2026
Russell’s fortunes have shifted since 2025, with Mercedes moving to the front of the field under the new regulations. Even with Antonelli a step in front, Russell sits second in the championship standings.
However, his title chances have slipped away, with Antonelli able to clinch the title during the United States Grand Prix weekend.
To stave off the Italian’s title, he would need to finish above ninth if Antonelli wins the race. If he achieves that, the decider moves to the Mexican Grand Prix.
Despite the battle between the Silver Arrows teammates, Russell has remained increasingly complimentary to his much younger teammate. Conceding throughout the season that Antonelli has just been faster at many weekends this year.
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