MOTOR RACING: Russell confident momentum will swing back his way from Antonelli

MIAMI — George Russell lost his status as Formula One title favorite to Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli on Sunday but remained confident that momentum would swing back in his favor.

The Briton began the season as the championship frontrunner after winning the opener in Australia. However, following Antonelli’s three consecutive victories, the Italian now leads Russell by 20 points.

Bookmakers William Hill installed the 19-year-old Antonelli as their 6/5 favorite, with Russell at 9/4.

“Clearly Kimi is in a really great place at the moment, and momentum is with him,” said Russell, who finished fourth at the Hard Rock Stadium.

“But I’ve got enough experience in championships I’ve won to know how momentum swings throughout a year, and also looking at last year’s championship.

“To be honest, I’m not even considering it. I just want to get back onto the top step of the podium.”

The next race is in Canada, where Russell won from pole position with the fastest lap in Montreal last year, while Antonelli finished third.

Russell also secured pole there in 2024—before Antonelli entered Formula One—and went on to finish third.

Antonelli, at 19 the youngest championship leader in Formula One history, said he was surprised to find himself in his current position.

“It’s still a very long season and there are so many things that can change. George is for sure going to be super strong in Canada—he’s always been very strong there—so he will definitely be back at the top,” the Italian said.

“But I think I feel much more comfortable in the car, much more in control as well.”

-Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Shri Navaratnam/Reuters