“Now feels like a pretty suitable moment to speak from the heart,” Russell wrote. “This season started off exactly how I had hoped, but it very quickly unravelled with tough luck and poor performances. It’s been the first proper season of my career where I’ve had more bad days than good.”
The statement marks a significant moment of vulnerability from the Mercedes driver, who had previously skipped the mandatory post-race media duties following the Mexican Grand Prix. His absence from the FIA scales and media zone drew attention, leading to a €5,000 fine. However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff intervened, covering the penalty and explaining that Russell was “distraught” by the situation. “I saw George after the race on the FIA scales, and obviously he’s distraught about the situation,” Wolff said, acknowledging the emotional weight of watching his teammate secure the title while he struggled on track.
Russell’s difficulties are quantified by recent results. Since his victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, he has not finished inside the top five. His best result in the subsequent races was sixth place at the Mexico Grand Prix, a performance that, while respectable, was overshadowed by the championship implications for his teammate. Antonelli, who has “made everyone look silly” according to outgoing champion Lando Norris, clinched the 2026 drivers’ title in Mexico, becoming the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history with his maiden title.
With the drivers’ championship decided, the focus shifts to the remaining four races of the season. The next event is the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, scheduled for November 6-8 at the prestigious Interlagos circuit in São Paulo. This weekend is particularly notable for its return to a conventional format, following recent years of sprint race iterations at the venue, before it reverts to a sprint weekend next year.
Although the title is settled, the stakes remain high. The constructors’ championship battle continues, and the race win battle is still open. For Russell, the remainder of the season serves as a reset before a potential title fight with Antonelli in 2027, as both drivers will remain Mercedes teammates next year. Russell’s ability to rediscover his form in the final four races will be crucial for his standing within the team and his competitive trajectory.
The 2026 season has also been marked by adjustments to the new regulations. At the Mexican Grand Prix, a specific quirk of the 2026 rules was exposed, which Lewis Hamilton openly labeled “stupid.” Beyond the regulatory quirks and the emotional fallout of the title race, the pitlane has been busy with other developments, including Antonelli’s decision not to run with the title winner’s #1 on his car in 2027.
As the grid travels to Brazil, the atmosphere at Interlagos is expected to be charged with the prestige of the venue and the uncertainty of the remaining championship battles. The schedule for the weekend is set as follows:
- Friday, November 6: Practice 1 (12:30 pm Brasília time / 10:30 am ET), Practice 2 (4:00 pm Brasília time / 2:00 pm ET)
- Saturday, November 7: Practice 3 (11:30 am Brasília time / 9:30 am ET), Qualifying (3:00 pm Brasília time / 1:00 pm ET)
- Sunday, November 8: Race (2:00 pm Brasília time / 12:00 pm ET)
The Brazilian Grand Prix will be broadcast live in the US on Apple TV, which has become the new home of F1 in the country from 2026. Fans can access every minute of the weekend, including 22 onboard driver cameras, live timing, and a full catch-up catalogue. For Russell, the opportunity to respond to his struggles on track is imminent. The next four races offer a platform to prove that the “bad days” of 2026 do not define his future, as he looks to close the season with renewed confidence.
