Despite seeing teammate Kimi Antonelli emerge as the 2026 F1 World Champion, George Russell remains confident in his ability to return stronger in 2027.
Russell entered an era of new regulations as title favorite, winning the season opener in Melbourne. However, reliability issues, difficulties with hybrid power unit deployment, and an increasingly competitive intra-team battle gradually saw his hopes of securing the 2026 championship fade.
The Briton has recorded three wins and five further podiums across the 20 races so far, scoring points in 17 of them while also suffering three DNFs. With 262 points, he currently sits P3 in the Drivers’ Standings, just 17 points behind Max Verstappen in second.
While Russell remains focused on securing the runner-up position in the final three rounds, his attention is also turning toward 2027, where he will once again line up alongside Antonelli at Mercedes.
Russell: “I still believe in myself”
Speaking during media day ahead of the 2026 F1 São Paulo GP, Russell discussed whether he expects to feel more comfortable in next year’s car after a difficult season with the current Mercedes W17.
“Yeah, things are changing next year, the power unit changes next year, the tyres are changing slightly for next year,” he said.“So I’ve had a lot more good years than bad years, and I think no, I don’t think there’s a single athlete in the world, or business person, or even just individual in life that goes through every single year having great years, you know, all of us in this room have good days, we have bad days, we have good years, we have bad years for different reasons, you know.”
He went on to explain that even the most successful drivers experience challenging periods throughout their careers, adding that what matters most is how they persevere.
“The goats in sports have years that have been tough for them, you know, we were talking about Lewis [Hamilton] before, he’s had so many successful years, but he’s also had tough years, and it’s the way you sort of bounce back from those years, to continue having the belief and courage to return to those positive ways, and that mental resilience.
“And I think that for me is what I have, what this year has taught me, I still believe in myself, and believe next year we fight again.”
