Schumacher doubts Russell's long-term F1 future, backs Antonelli

Ralf Schumacher has delivered a harsh assessment of George Russell's 2026 season, saying the Mercedes driver is making too many mistakes, is slower than his teammate and is ashamed of himself. Speaking to Sky Deutschland, the former driver said Russell is likely to lose the runner-up title as well.

Schumacher was dismissive of Russell's recent claim that he could still be racing in Formula 1 in twelve years, as Lewis Hamilton has. "I'm pretty sure he won't be," he said, adding that he considered the comparison presumptuous. Russell won the season-opening race in Australia, but Kimi Antonelli has since taken nine victories to Russell's three and clinched the championship in Mexico with five rounds remaining.

Schumacher believes Antonelli has the stronger long-term trajectory and, if the car stays as it is, has the best chance of succeeding Max Verstappen as the sport's top driver, though not immediately.