Russell insists this season 'won't break me' as Antonelli closes on the title
George Russell said his bruising 2026 season alongside Kimi Antonelli will not define his career or break him, and that the Italian, 20 and poised to take the title in Mexico, has simply been at a higher level. He has three wins against nine for his team-mate.
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George Russell diz que uma temporada duríssima diante de Kimi Antonelli não será o que o define, com o italiano prestes a levar o campeonato no México neste fim de semana.
Um nono lugar para Antonelli resolveria o título, a menos que Russell ou Lewis Hamilton vença o GP da Cidade do México. Aos 20 anos, Antonelli se tornaria o campeão mais jovem da história da categoria.
Russell chegou a 2026 como favorito depois de superar o companheiro no ano passado, mas tem três vitórias contra nove de Antonelli e foi superado ao longo da campanha. Ele admite que “aprendeu mais do que gostaria sobre si mesmo” no caminho.
“Provavelmente aprendi mais sobre mim este ano do que gostaria, sinceramente. As altas e baixas que você passa no esporte são imensas. Isso porque todos nos importamos muito com o que fazemos”, disse.
Ele aponta um padrão de reação, notadamente depois de uma corrida ruim em Madri, onde Antonelli venceu, antes de fazer a pole e vencer em Baku.
“Este ano não vai definir minha carreira de forma alguma”, disse. “Não vai me quebrar. Se alguma coisa, vai me deixar mais forte.”
No lado pessoal, Russell disse que não há atrito: Antonelli simplesmente esteve em um nível mais alto, o que os manteve fora das brigas roda a roda que costumam azedar relações entre companheiros.
Antonelli faltou ao dia de mídia de quinta-feira no México por causa de uma doença viral, mas deve voltar ao carro nos treinos de sexta-feira.
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