Palmer says Russell is 'still not there' as Antonelli widens championship lead after Zandvoort

George Russell left Zandvoort with a podium but fresh doubts hanging over his season, after former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer declared the Briton is “still not there” compared to team-mate Kimi Antonelli following the Dutch Grand Prix. Mercedes secured second and third behind race winner Lando Norris, but the manner of that result has sparked debate.

Antonelli had been running ahead of Russell before Mercedes called him in for a pitstop. When the Italian rejoined on fresh tyres, the pitwall instructed Russell to hand back the position. Russell initially pushed back over team radio, arguing the swap risked the double podium, but later acknowledged it was the correct call.

“I can see the logic of Mercedes. I think George will probably see it,” Palmer told F1 TV. “He’s going to be a bit annoyed. He’s had a tough day. The starts were obviously really, really difficult. Dropped behind Oscar at the second getaway, and that put the distance between him and the top two.”

Palmer was pointed in his assessment of Russell’s overall performance. “He didn’t really have the pace today in the end. I’m happy he’s had a better weekend, but he’s still not there. If we’re talking about drivers of the season, Kimi once again has just executed really well. Not quite a win today, but every weekend he’s also amazing. So the pressure is on George.”

The analyst suggested Russell would ultimately accept the verdict on his own performance. “I think when the dust settles, he’ll say, ‘Actually, I wasn’t quite there today for whatever reason, particularly the starts, and I still have a bit of work to do.’”

In the standings, Russell’s third place moves him up to second in the drivers’ championship with 183 points, level with Lewis Hamilton but ahead on countback. Antonelli, however, continues to pull clear at the top, his 242 points giving him a 59-point cushion over Russell with the season still in progress.