Lewis Hamilton has offered words of encouragement to George Russell following a difficult 2026 Formula 1 campaign, suggesting that his former Mercedes teammate has faced circumstances that have made his season considerably more challenging than the results indicate.
Russell began the year looking like a genuine championship favourite after dominating the opening weekend at the Australian Grand Prix. However, the momentum has shifted dramatically as the season progressed, with Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli emerging as the team’s leading driver and moving closer to securing the world championship.
Antonelli has already recorded nine Grand Prix victories this season and holds a commanding 123-point advantage over Russell. With only 125 points remaining, the young Italian is on the verge of achieving what would be a remarkable championship success in just his second season in Formula 1.
The difference between the two Mercedes drivers has naturally attracted attention, but Hamilton believes Russell’s struggles should be viewed in the context of the technical problems he has experienced throughout the campaign.
HAMILTON POINTS TO RUSSELL’S CAR PROBLEMS
Speaking to the media ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton admitted that he could not fully understand everything Russell has experienced since leaving Mercedes. However, he highlighted an important factor that could explain some of the performance difference between the two drivers.
Hamilton suggested that Russell has encountered significantly more problems with his car throughout the season, while Antonelli has enjoyed a comparatively smoother run.
“I do know he’s had a lot, a lot of problems, a lot more, or most of the problems have been on George’s car this season,” Hamilton explained.
That observation matters because Formula 1 performance is not determined by driving ability alone. Reliability problems, inconsistent car behaviour and technical difficulties can disrupt a driver’s preparation and make it harder to extract consistent performance across an entire race weekend.
Even small differences in how two cars operate can influence qualifying performance, tyre management and race strategy. When those problems repeatedly affect one side of a garage, the championship standings may not tell the complete story.
Hamilton’s comments therefore offer a different perspective on Russell’s difficult season, particularly as Antonelli continues to deliver strong results.
ANTONELLI HAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF HIS OPPORTUNITY
Although Hamilton acknowledged Russell’s difficulties, he was equally clear that Antonelli deserves recognition for his performances.
The young Mercedes driver has delivered consistently throughout the season, turning the opportunity presented by a competitive car into a remarkable collection of victories.
Hamilton noted that Antonelli has experienced a comparatively straightforward season in terms of car-related issues, but stressed that he has also delivered when required.
That distinction is important. Having a reliable car does not automatically produce nine Grand Prix victories. Antonelli has still needed to qualify strongly, manage pressure, make the right decisions and defeat experienced competitors.
His performances have transformed the internal Mercedes battle. At the beginning of the season, Russell appeared to have the advantage of experience and consistency, but Antonelli has developed rapidly and established himself as a serious championship contender.
If he completes the job in Mexico, it will represent one of the most impressive achievements of his young career.
HAMILTON EXPECTS RUSSELL TO BOUNCE BACK
Despite the growing championship gap, Hamilton has not written off his former teammate.
The seven-time world champion believes Russell still possesses the pace required to compete at the highest level and expects him to recover from the disappointing campaign.
Hamilton pointed to Russell’s strong performances earlier in the year, suggesting that the British driver has demonstrated enough speed to prove that his underlying ability remains intact.
However, he also acknowledged that Russell’s season has been inconsistent, describing it as a series of steps forward followed by setbacks.
“I don’t really know why the gap is as big as it is,” Hamilton admitted, before expressing confidence that Russell would bounce back.
His assessment carries weight because Hamilton spent several seasons alongside Russell at Mercedes. The two drivers shared a garage during a period when the team was rebuilding its competitiveness, giving Hamilton considerable experience of Russell’s strengths and approach.
Hamilton understands that a difficult championship campaign does not necessarily mean a driver has lost his ability. Sometimes, a combination of technical problems, inconsistent performances and circumstances beyond a driver’s control can create a season that becomes difficult to recover.
RUSSELL FACES A DIFFICULT CHAMPIONSHIP REALITY
Russell’s position in the championship has become increasingly uncomfortable.
With a 123-point deficit to Antonelli and only 125 points available, his mathematical chances of winning the title remain alive, but the situation is extremely difficult.
He would need an extraordinary combination of results, including major setbacks for his teammate, to overturn the advantage.
For Mercedes, the situation also creates an interesting challenge. The team must continue supporting both drivers while recognising that Antonelli is now in a position to secure the championship.
Russell will need to focus on finishing the season strongly rather than allowing the title battle to overshadow his individual performance. A strong conclusion could help him rebuild momentum and establish a better foundation for the next campaign.
The Mexican Grand Prix will be another important opportunity to demonstrate that his early-season pace has not disappeared.
MERCEDES MUST ADDRESS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ITS TWO CARS
Hamilton’s comments also raise an important question for Mercedes: why have technical problems affected Russell more frequently than Antonelli?
If the difference is largely related to reliability or car-specific issues, the team will need to investigate those problems carefully. A championship-winning organisation cannot afford to allow one driver to repeatedly lose opportunities because of technical disadvantages.
At the same time, Mercedes must recognise Antonelli’s achievements without allowing the championship success to distract from the work still required.
Russell remains an experienced and highly capable driver, while Antonelli’s rapid development gives the team an exciting long-term prospect. Maintaining a productive relationship between them could become one of Mercedes’ biggest priorities.
Hamilton’s message is ultimately a reminder that Russell should not be judged solely by the championship standings. Antonelli has been outstanding, but Russell’s season has also been affected by circumstances that deserve consideration.
The former Mercedes champion expects his old teammate to respond. Whether Russell can turn that encouragement into a stronger finish to 2026 remains one of the interesting storylines to watch as the championship approaches its conclusion.
