Russell struggles at US Grand Prix as Antonelli moves toward title

Mercedes driver George Russell finished eighth in Austin, over four tenths behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who took his ninth win of 2026.

By idly desk, from 2 reports

31 Oct, 20:54 IST2 min read

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Russell struggles at US Grand Prix as Antonelli moves toward title — Image: Formula 1

Key facts

Story

George Russell finished eighth at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, after qualifying over four tenths behind…
Antonelli, 20, won his ninth race of 2026 and moved a step closer to the world title.
Autosport says Mercedes shares responsibility for Russell's poor form; a Formula 1 profile recalls his career…

What's new

George Russell had a difficult United States Grand Prix in Austin. Autosport reports that the Mercedes driver qualified more than four tenths of a second behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli. Russell finished eighth on Sunday. Antonelli, 20, took his ninth win of 2026 and moved closer to the world title. Autosport says there were some mitigating factors, though the article's details are not included in the excerpt it provides.

Why it matters

For Indian fans following Formula 1, the result shows how tight the title fight has become. Antonelli's ninth win this season puts him in a strong position. Mercedes' gap between its two drivers is also a concern for the team as the season nears its end.

What others say

Autosport argues that Mercedes is sharing responsibility for Russell's struggles, rather than placing all the blame on the driver. Formula 1's profile of Russell focuses on his career instead, noting his 'If in doubt, go flat out' approach, his rookie season qualifying record against Robert Kubica, and his first Mercedes win in Brazil in 2022.