Russell breaks silence on social media: It’s been tough to deal with

While everyone else congratulated Kimi Antonelli and hoisted him onto their shoulders, George Russell disappeared. Nobody expected him to pose as the loser in team photographs alongside the beaming champion, but we thought that, as a British gentleman, he would have the decency to at least face the media. George did not speak out until 24 hours after the race.

Even then, he did so “only” through an Instagram post. Of course, we cannot know whether Russell genuinely had any problems. Several people were affected by health issues in Mexico. George, however, had given no indication of any.

Whatever the truth, his behaviour did little to improve his already limited popularity among fans. On the other hand, Russell’s frustration is partly understandable. His engine let him down again at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix, sending him tumbling down the order. He then clearly mishandled his battle with Isack Hadjar and received a penalty that put paid to his race.

“Now feels like a pretty suitable moment to speak from the heart,” Russell wrote in an Instagram post, his first public statement since the race ended.

“This season started off exactly how I had hoped but it very quickly unravelled with tough luck and poor performances. It’s been the first proper season of my career where I’ve had more bad days than good. Has it been tough to deal with? Yes, very. Has it been tough to pick myself up week in, week out? Yes, very. Confusion at times? Often. All I know is that I’ve given it my all and 2026 was not meant to be my year,” wrote Russell.

The new cars simply have not suited him as well as last year’s. Like Oscar Piastri, for example, he has suffered a sharp downturn after an excellent season and taken a heavy psychological blow. Ultimately, though, even he must acknowledge that the title is in the right hands and that he was no match for Kimi Antonelli this year.

“I want to sincerely congratulate Kimi on what has been an absolutely incredible season. You truly deserve the Championship,” wrote Russell, who also made sure to thank his team.

“Thank you to the team for producing the best car and power unit this season; it’s been inspiring to see everyone coming together over four tough years to bring Mercedes back to the top,” the British driver continued.

“Now, all I can promise is that for the rest of this season, and into the next one, I will be giving my absolute all to rediscover the performance I have been capable of producing for the majority of my career and fingers crossed a little bit of luck returns. Thanks for all the support,” Russell concluded.