Juan Pablo Montoya urged George Russell to abandon the distraction of teammate Kimi Antonelli’s performance and sharpen his own driving if he is to mount a serious challenge for the 2026 title.
Montoya urges a tactical pivot – focusing on the driver, not the rival
During the post‑race interview on F1 TV, Montoya explained that Russell should look inward, “adapt. He is focused so much on Antonelli … He needs to understand why he cannot do it and adjust the car.”
Russell agreed that a new approach is required. “If I’m being brutally honest, I’m not going to fight for a championship if performances continue like that.” He added that a win in Canada would have been well deserved, but “today I didn’t deserve to stand where I stood.”
Silverstone finish reshapes the standings
Silverstone saw Russell finish P2 after Mercedes employed a last‑minute tyre gamble, keeping the team straightened on medium tyres during the race’s safety‑car period and maintaining his track position to the finish line.
Antonelli, meanwhile, was a DNF, finishing 15th. The gap between the Briton and the 19‑year‑old championship leader now stands at 25 points.
In the championship safe side, Lewis Hamilton remains in third while Charles Leclerc captured the victory at the British Grand Prix, moving Leclerc up to fourth overall.
With those figures on record, Russell’s focus has sharpened: adapt his driving, battle the car, and deny the title to the teenage champion.
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