Russell took to social media Monday, saying he needed to speak from the heart after teammate Kimi Antonelli clinched the Drivers’ Championship in Mexico.
Team principal Toto Wolff said Russell was devastated in Mexico, leaving the paddock after congratulating Antonelli on his title.
The FIA slapped Mercedes with a €5,000 (£4,173) penalty because Russell skipped his post‑race media duties, prompting his own comments on Monday.
He wrote on Instagram, “Now feels like a pretty suitable moment to speak from the heart.”
He added, “The season started exactly as I hoped, then quickly unraveled with bad luck and poor performances.”
“It’s been the first real season where I’ve had more bad days than good. Tough to handle? Absolutely. Hard to bounce back weekly? Absolutely. Confusing at times? Often. All I know is I gave everything, and 2026 wasn’t meant to be my year.” For my money, Russell’s honesty shows the pressure he’s under.
Russell entered the year as the clear favourite, yet Antonelli outshone him, becoming the youngest F1 champion at 20 with four races left.
Antonelli has nine wins to Russell’s three, and the Brit slipped to fourth after a power‑unit issue robbed him of grip on the opening lap in Mexico City.
Russell continued, “I sincerely congratulate Kimi on an absolutely incredible season. You truly deserve the championship.”
“Thanks to the team for delivering the best car and engine this year; watching everyone unite over four tough years to bring Mercedes back to the top has been inspiring.”
“Going forward, I’ll give everything for the rest of this season and next, hunting the performance I’ve shown for most of my career, hoping a bit of luck returns.”
“Thanks for all the support.”
Thursday November 5
5pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
8pm: Paddock Uncut
Friday November 6
3pm: São Paulo Grand Prix Practice 1 (starts 3.30pm)*
5.30pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
6.45pm: São Paulo Grand Prix Practice 2 (starts 7pm)
8.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday November 7
2.15pm: São Paulo Grand Prix Practice 3 (starts 2.30pm)*
5pm: Qualifying build‑up
6pm: São Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday November 8
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – São Paulo GP build‑up
5pm: THE SÃO PAULO GRAND PRIX*
7pm: Chequered flag reaction
8pm: Ted’s Notebook