George Russell lost the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix to his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
The result increased Antonelli’s lead in the F1 championship. He now holds a 43-point advantage over Russell.
Russell won the opening Grand Prix of the season. However, Antonelli has beaten him in each of the following four rounds.
The growing points gap has increased talk about the championship battle. Both Mercedes drivers also spoke to Sky Sports F1 about their performances and the title fight.
Kimi Antonelli builds a 43-point F1 lead
Antonelli has taken control of the championship after a strong run of results.
Russell started the season with a victory. Since then, Antonelli has consistently finished ahead of his team-mate.
The Canadian Grand Prix added another important result to that run. Antonelli took the win, while Russell had to settle for second.
As a result, Antonelli now leads Russell by 43 points.
George Russell faces growing championship pressure
Russell remains in the championship fight despite the recent results.
His early-season victory showed his potential. However, he now needs to close the points gap to Antonelli.
The Mercedes team has enjoyed strong performances from both drivers. That could make the internal championship battle even more interesting as the season continues.
Russell will also look for a response in the next round. A strong result could help him reduce Antonelli’s advantage.
Mercedes team-mates battle for the F1 title
The battle between Antonelli and Russell has quickly become one of the main stories of the 2026 F1 season.
Antonelli currently has the momentum. Russell, however, still has plenty of races left to fight back.
The 43-point gap gives Antonelli an important advantage. However, the championship can change quickly in Formula 1.
Both Mercedes drivers will now focus on the next race. Their performances could shape the title battle in the coming rounds.
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