Rosberg urges George Russell to step away from F1 over winter after title defeat

Former world champion Nico Rosberg has advised George Russell to detach from the sport over the winter break following a difficult season in which he lost the championship to team-mate Kimi Antonelli.

Russell started the year as the favourite and won the season-opening round in Australia, but Antonelli improved markedly after a challenging rookie campaign in 2025 and took a run of race wins. Antonelli secured the title with four rounds remaining by winning in Mexico City, becoming the youngest champion in F1 history. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said Russell was distraught and skipped his post-race media duties.

Rosberg said the situation is scary for Russell, who may be uncertain whether the struggles will continue into next year, and advised him to get away from the sport, do something different, and then prepare thoroughly for the new season.