George Russell Focuses on Self-Improvement Ahead of Miami GP as Title Fight with Antonelli Looms George Russell has emphasized his commitment to personal performance as the Formula 1 season resumes in Miami, aiming to close the gap to his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers’ Championship. Russell currently sits in second place behind Antonelli following the opening three rounds of the 2026 season. The Briton secured victory in the Australian Grand Prix before Antonelli claimed back-to-back wins in China and Japan, establishing a nine-point lead at the top of the standings. Speaking ahead of Round 4 in Miami, Russell highlighted his focus on self-improvement rather than external pressures. “I felt great prior to any break and I feel great now, to be honest,” Russell stated. “Definitely, for everybody, you do feel fatigued coming away from those first three races, but you’re always competing against competitors who are on the same schedule as you. You’re all equally fatigued, and now we’re all equally recharged.” The Mercedes driver acknowledged using the April break productively, spending time with the team and planning extensive simulator work to address recurring issues. “I’m going to have numerous days on the simulator prior to Miami, to try and iron out some of these unexpected issues that have caught us out,” Russell explained. Reflecting on recent races, Russell pointed to specific factors that impacted his results. In China, he cited a qualifying issue that hindered his performance, while in Japan, he noted the influence of a poorly timed Safety Car. “If things had gone slightly differently in Suzuka, I think I could have won that race. If there was no safety car at all, I think I’d have finished second in that race behind [Oscar] Piastri,” Russell said. Despite trailing his teammate, Russell expressed confidence in his capabilities when everything aligns. “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. Russell also praised Antonelli’s strong start to the season, acknowledging the young Italian’s impressive form. “Yeah, it’s great having Kimi as my team-mate. Of course, an incredibly quick driver, and he’s shown that ever since we’ve been teammates throughout last year. This has been an incredibly perfect start to the year for him,” Russell remarked. Looking ahead, Russell remains optimistic about his championship prospects while recognizing the long nature of the season. “It’s a hell of a long season and no championship has ever been one after three races. So, for me, it’s always important to maximise the results,” he stated. The Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1-3, presents Russell with an opportunity to reduce Antonelli’s lead and reassert himself in the title battle as the 2026 Formula 1 campaign progresses.
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