Russell aims for consistency as Antonelli races ahead with F1 lead: 'If I iron these things out...'

Mercedes' George Russell is not too worried about the last two races as he is backing himself to win more races and topple his teammate and current leader Kimi Antonelli. Russell won the opening Grand Prix in Australia but ran into issues in the next two races.

Engine issues in the Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying did not help him and then a safety car pushed him off the podium in Japan. Antonelli won both those races after finishing behind Russell in Australia. Currently Antonelli has a nine-point lead at the top against his Mercedes teammate. However, Russell remains confident that he has the ability to turn things around.

Russell wants consistency

Ahead of Round 4 in Miami on the weekend of May 1-3, Russell spoke to media about his title fight with teammate Antonelli and also his results so far this season.

"No championship has ever been one after three races. If things had gone slightly differently in Suzuka, I think I could have won that race. In China, I obviously had the qualifying issue and I think otherwise I potentially could have been on pole there," Russell said on Friday.

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"So when I look at things rationally, I think I've maximised my results this year. And when I have a clean weekend, as I had in Melbourne, I know I've got the capability of being on pole and winning the race," he added.

"Consistency – good results on the bad days, victories on the good days," Russell said. "That's my goal, that's what I'm confident in achieving. So I'm not thinking about Kimi, I'm not thinking about the championship. I have things to improve... if I iron those things out, we're in a very different situation."

Antonelli relishes massive opportunity

Antonelli has exceeded expectations through his performances so far this season. The Italian, who took the youngest pole record at 19 years old at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, wants to remain grounded and is focusing on the "ultimate goal".

"What I don't want to do, now that we're in a good position, is start to think about the final result or a long-term result. I'm aware of the increase of support and following, especially after my first two wins. But I don't feel more pressure. I know expectations are higher now because I'm coming off of two wins and a strong start of the season. But I'm just trying to keep myself grounded, to focus on the ultimate goal and how to get there.

"This year is a massive opportunity. Both of us, we don't want to waste this opportunity so we're going to do our best. But we're also very aware that it's very important to keep a good dynamic in the team," he said.