Russell questions run of bad luck as Antonelli claims 2026 F1 title

George Russell has questioned how often he has suffered what he describes as "atrocious luck" during the 2026 Formula 1 season. His Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli was crowned world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, while Russell fell to fourth in the standings behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Russell had qualified second but lost several places on the opening lap after a software glitch ruined his start. He said the moment had been difficult to deal with, given the number of small issues he has faced all season, and that the team needs to examine whether something is being overlooked.

Russell, who trails Antonelli by 130 points, said he had never had so many setbacks in his career. Team principal Toto Wolff said he had found Russell "distraught" after the race, and Mercedes was fined €5,000 after Russell left the track swiftly.