By Fatma Younis
George Russell insists his disappointing 2026 Formula 1 season will not define his career as teammate Kimi Antonelli closes in on the world championship. The 28-year-old Briton finished eighth at the United States Grand Prix in Austin while Antonelli, 20, claimed his ninth victory of the year, extending his lead to 123 points with 125 still available.
Antonelli poised for historic title
Antonelli is set to become the youngest Formula One world champion in history at Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix, with four rounds remaining. Russell's title hopes evaporated after an engine failure in Malaysia, a back-of-grid start in Singapore, and a lack of pace in Texas.
Russell reflects on difficult year
"I have learnt more about myself this year than I would have liked to in all honesty. Highs and lows in sport are immense and that is because we all care so much what we are doing," Russell said. "I am 28, Lewis (Hamilton) and Fernando (Alonso) are still competing extremely well in their 40s. Lewis won most of his titles in his 30s, this year will not define my career as a whole. It will not break me, it will make me stronger."
Focus on 2027 comeback
Russell emphasized he is not comparing himself to Antonelli but targeting self-improvement for 2027. "We are not boxers in a ring fighting directly against somebody else. We are kind of fighting against ourselves. A bit like a golfer. I am looking at myself saying 'what do I need to do?'" he added.
Battle for second place
The British driver is also in a tight fight for second in the standings, with Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc all within 10 points. Russell dismissed the significance of finishing best of the rest: "I think for every driver on the grid there is only one position that matters and it is P1. To be best of the rest is not something you dream of as a kid." He aims to use the final five races, starting in Mexico City, to regain consistent form after a season of wild performance swings.
