Ralf Schumacher suggested that George Russell use Kimi Antonelli’s performance as a reference to overcome the complicated moment he is experiencing in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The former driver stated that the Briton needs to work more in the simulator and analyze his teammate’s style.
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Russell started the championship as a title favorite, but after 10 races he is 50 points behind Antonelli. The negative phase had its worst moment at the Belgian GP, when the Briton retired from the race after just five corners and complained on the Mercedes radio in a profanity-laden outburst.
Despite the difference between the drivers, Schumacher stated that the relationship between Russell and the team has not changed and that the main objective is to restore balance within the garage. In an interview with the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, he said: “I don’t think that changes anything in terms of relationship. George Russell obviously needs to first get back on an equal footing with his teammate. He knows that himself. Ultimately, it’s up to him, his engineer or his side of the team to deliver results.”
“There are no excuses, after all. Unless they invent something now, which I don’t believe they will. Nowadays, with all the data available, I can’t imagine the car being inferior in any way.”
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Schumacher also recommended that Russell practice in the simulator until he absorbs Antonelli’s driving characteristics. “He really needs to sit down now, go back to the simulator, and there’s nothing else to do but try to copy his teammate, so to speak, and he has to practice that in the simulator until it becomes second nature.”
The German also highlighted that some regulations can harm certain driving styles, but stated he is curious to see if Russell will be able to return to his best level. “I think he’s already trying to do that, but there are simply certain regulations that don’t work in the driver’s favor, and I think that’s the problem he’s facing now. I’m curious to see if he can get out of this, if he can really get back to that level.”
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