The 1997 Formula 1 world champion believes George Russell has lost his position as Mercedes’ leading driver following Kimi Antonelli’s dominant title-winning campaign.
George Russell’s standing within Mercedes and the wider Formula 1 paddock has suffered a significant setback following his defeat to team-mate Kimi Antonelli, according to former world champion Jacques Villeneuve.
Mercedes secured its ninth Constructors’ Championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix, with three races remaining in the 2026 season. However, the team’s success has exposed a considerable disparity between its two drivers.
Antonelli, who clinched the Drivers’ Championship in Mexico, has recorded nine victories and 16 podium finishes in only his second F1 campaign. Russell, meanwhile, trails the Italian by 128 points despite having access to the same dominant machinery.
For Villeneuve, the scale of that defeat has fundamentally altered Russell’s position within the team.
Villeneuve questions Russell’s status at Mercedes
Speaking on F1 TV, Villeneuve suggested that Russell’s frustration during qualifying in Brazil reflected more than a disagreement over team instructions.
The British driver had criticised Mercedes over the radio after being told to ease off during a lap he believed could have put him ahead of Lando Norris in the battle for pole position.
Villeneuve believes the reaction was rooted in the disappointment of losing the championship to his younger team-mate.
“It’s because of the way the season has gone, because he lost the championship to his team-mate in such a brutal fashion,” Villeneuve explained.
Russell had previously established himself as a leading figure at Mercedes, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship twice during their three seasons together.
Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari in 2025 appeared to leave Russell in a strong position to become the team’s undisputed leader. Instead, Antonelli’s rapid rise has transformed the internal hierarchy.
“He realised he was no longer the team’s favourite. Antonelli is Toto’s project. He’s been pushed aside a little, and his standing in the paddock has fallen enormously,” Villeneuve said.
The Canadian believes Russell now faces a difficult challenge to re-establish himself as a genuine championship contender.
“He knows he has to react, so the frustration comes out. These next few races won’t matter. It’s next year that counts.
“Unless he comes back next year genuinely ahead of his team-mate and fighting for the championship, it’s going to become difficult for him.”
Second place now crucial for Russell
Beyond his defeat to Antonelli, Russell faces another potential disappointment as the battle for second place in the Drivers’ Championship intensifies.
Max Verstappen remains his principal challenger following an impressive recovery drive in Brazil, where the Red Bull driver climbed from 21st on the grid to finish second behind Norris.
Russell, by contrast, finished fourth at Interlagos.
Villeneuve believes failing to secure the runner-up position would be particularly damaging given Mercedes’ competitive advantage throughout the season.
“It’s extremely important, because it’s embarrassing not to finish second with that Mercedes,” he said.
“When you look at how many points his team-mate has, the two cars should be first and second, full stop. That’s the kind of season Mercedes has had.”
He warned that another setback could leave Russell facing an uncomfortable winter.
“He knows it, and if he doesn’t finish second, it’s going to be a long, very long winter.”
Schumacher predicts a supporting role for Russell
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has also questioned Russell’s current approach, suggesting that the British driver is attempting to adapt his driving style to match Antonelli.
“He’s trying to copy Kimi, but that’s simply not his driving style. He’s in a very difficult situation that he absolutely has to get out of,” Schumacher said.
The German went further in assessing the Mercedes partnership, drawing a comparison with Rubens Barrichello’s position alongside Michael Schumacher during Ferrari’s dominant years.
“The die is cast. George Russell will now play the role for Kimi Antonelli that Rubens Barrichello used to play.”
Barrichello spent several seasons supporting Michael Schumacher at Ferrari during the team’s championship-winning period between 2000 and 2005.
Schumacher believes Russell’s prospects may depend on whether Mercedes’ 2027 car better suits his driving characteristics than Antonelli’s.
“Otherwise, I don’t see a particularly promising future for him,” he added.
Schumacher also raises concerns over Piastri
Schumacher’s concerns extend beyond Mercedes, with Oscar Piastri also facing questions about his long-term position at McLaren.
The Australian has endured a difficult 2026 campaign following his championship defeat to Norris the previous year. He has also recently parted company with his long-standing manager, Mark Webber.
Schumacher believes the internal dynamics at McLaren could make a move elsewhere worth considering.
“Sometimes the situation within a team develops in such a way that working with your team-mate no longer really functions,” he said.
“Piastri could certainly make good progress at another team. But the question is whether he will get another opportunity.
“In my opinion, other teams no longer see him as a future world champion.”
Aston Martin, Schumacher suggested, could provide an opportunity for the Australian to rebuild his career.
“Aston Martin, in particular, could be an interesting option for him to make a fresh start and contribute to the team’s development.”
For Russell, the immediate priority remains securing second place in the championship before turning his attention to 2027.
Whether he can reverse the balance of power at Mercedes will be one of the defining questions of his next season.
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