Russell refutes claims that Mercedes is showing favoritism towards Antonelli.

      "We are both permitted to race"

      George Russell has refuted claims that Mercedes is showing favoritism towards his teenage teammate Kimi Antonelli during the Italian's impressive 2026 season. Currently, Antonelli leads the world championship comfortably, leading to speculation that the team is increasingly centered around the 19-year-old.

      "I have heard rumors about favoritism," Russell told the Daily Mail. "It doesn’t concern me, and it's not true." The British driver explained there is no reason for Mercedes to support one driver over the other, highlighting that the team comprises 2,000 employees, all of whom benefit from a bonus if they secure the constructors' championship. "We are both permitted to race, unless the team's primary goal of maximizing points is at risk."

      Former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock, however, believes that tension between the two drivers is unavoidable. "There’s definitely a lot of tension," he remarked to Heute. "For me, it’s only a matter of time before they collide. We'll likely witness that a few more times this year."

      Meanwhile, former driver Ralf Schumacher thinks Russell still enjoys the full support of Mercedes chief Toto Wolff. "George Russell has had a long relationship with Toto Wolff," he stated to Sky Deutschland. "As long as Russell continues to act professionally, avoids getting involved in team politics, and doesn’t interfere with Antonelli, I see no reason for Mercedes to replace him."

      Schumacher did recognize that Antonelli, another protégé of Wolff, has now set the standard within the team. "Toto Wolff expressed his perspective on the situation very clearly," he noted. "He explicitly stated that Kimi 'is in a different class.' It couldn't have been more straightforward. And honestly, that's the current state of affairs."