Ecclestone has already dismissed Russell's chances in the title race.
"Antonelli or Verstappen will be the world champion"
Bernie Ecclestone believes that the 2026 world championship is already slipping away from George Russell. Following Kimi Antonelli's third consecutive victory from pole position in Miami, the young Italian now has a 20-point lead over his significantly more experienced teammate at Mercedes. Ecclestone, the former long-time F1 chief, thinks the momentum has decisively shifted. "The season is still early, but currently, Antonelli has the momentum to extend his lead over Russell," the 95-year-old told Swiss newspaper Blick. "It's either Antonelli or Verstappen for the world championship."
Ecclestone also no longer dismisses Max Verstappen after Red Bull's impressive comeback in Miami. "Red Bull seems to have recovered from its slump," he remarked. "Max has found his fire again - and when that happens, he becomes a threat."
Nevertheless, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff continues to publicly support Russell, despite Antonelli’s remarkable start. When asked by La Gazzetta dello Sport about Russell's challenging beginning to the season, Wolff attributed it to both misfortune and errors. "What we appreciate about this sport is that the clock always tells the truth at the end of the race," Wolff stated. "And the clock indicates that Kimi rightfully won the last three Grands Prix."
"Russell hasn't performed as well, partly due to team issues, bad luck, and in Miami, his own mistakes." However, Wolff maintains that Russell is still a key part of Mercedes' strategy. "We recognize George's worth, and we believe he will come back very competitive starting from Canada, ready to challenge his rivals."
Other articles
Verstappen remains the 'core of the project' at Red Bull, according to the team principal.
Formula 1 | According to team principal Laurent Mekies, Max Verstappen is completely dedicated to Red Bull, despite growing rumors regarding his future. (…)
Hadjar expresses approval of the FIA's decision to back down from the 2026 engine regulations.
Formula 1 | Isack Hadjar expresses that Formula 1 is finally heading in the correct direction after the FIA and manufacturers reached a preliminary agreement to further relax the (…)
Verstappen remains the 'central figure' of the project at Red Bull - team principal.
Formula 1 | According to team principal Laurent Mekies, Max Verstappen is completely dedicated to Red Bull, despite growing rumors regarding his future. (…)
Ecclestone has already dismissed Russell's chances in the title race.
Formula 1 | Bernie Ecclestone thinks that the 2026 world championship is already starting to slip from George Russell's grasp. Following Kimi Antonelli's rise to third (…)
Verstappen remains the 'core of the project' at Red Bull, according to the team principal.
Formula 1 | Max Verstappen is still completely dedicated to Red Bull, despite growing rumors regarding his future, as stated by team principal Laurent Mekies. (…)
Ricciardo suggests that a return to racing may be possible "one day."
Formula 1 | Daniel Ricciardo acknowledges that he might race again someday, but only if it’s purely for the pleasure of driving. During his conversation on Speed Street (…)
Ecclestone has already dismissed Russell's chances in the title race.
Formula 1 | Bernie Ecclestone thinks that the 2026 world championship is already drifting away from George Russell. Following Kimi Antonelli's impressive performance, which secured a third (...)