George Russell is still considered a title contender in the 2026 Formula 1 season by the majority of fans surveyed by RacingNews365 through a poll. Even after a difficult streak before the category’s break in August, 62% of poll participants believe the Briton is still in the fight.
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Russell started the championship in great form, winning from start to finish the opening round in Melbourne and then securing a podium place in China. Since then, however, his teammate, Kimi Antonelli, has gained prominence at Mercedes and won five of the first eleven races, taking the championship lead.
Russell’s campaign also suffered significant blows over the last rounds. At the Canadian GP, an engine failure ended his race while he was leading, while at Spa-Francorchamps the British driver retired on the first lap after contact with Lewis Hamilton. In Hungary, a problem with the anti-stall system caused him to drop to the back of the pack at the start.
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With eleven races remaining, Russell is 59 points behind Antonelli. The gap still allows for a comeback, but the streak of negative results has increased the pressure on the Briton in the second half of the season.
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