Brundle warns Russell to stay resilient as Antonelli's five-win streak raises pressure

Martin Brundle has called on George Russell to maintain his mental resilience after a turbulent stretch of the 2025 Formula 1 season, warning that the Mercedes driver faces a growing challenge from within his own garage.

Russell began the year in commanding form, winning the Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese sprint race, but he has not returned to the top step of the podium since. In that same period, 18-year-old team-mate Kimi Antonelli has strung together five consecutive grand prix victories and built a 68-point lead over Russell in the drivers’ standings.

“George has to keep believing what comes around goes around. He’s got a super talent in the other car that has momentum,” Brundle told Sky Sports F1. “George lost a podium in Monaco through no fault of his own. My concern for George is, Kimi looks fundamentally faster.”

Russell’s misfortunes have been varied and persistent. A car problem disrupted his qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix, an ill-timed safety car undermined his strategy in Japan, and he was forced to retire from the lead of the Canadian Grand Prix. Most painfully, the Monaco race weekend unravelled when a five-second pitlane speeding penalty was compounded by a team communication error that resulted in a second penalty being applied.

1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, speaking alongside Brundle, offered little encouragement ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona-Catalunya. The Canadian suggested the circuit’s characteristics could again favour Antonelli.

“Kimi didn’t drive this morning. It’s normally an understeery track but everyone was sliding in first practice. That should suit Antonelli as he suits his car with a soft rear end and drives aggressively,” Villeneuve said. “It might play into Antonelli’s hands again.”

Russell currently sits third in the drivers’ championship on 88 points, two points adrift of Lewis Hamilton in second and 68 behind Antonelli at the top.