Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
George Russell heads into the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort on Sunday 23 August knowing the second half of the Formula 1 season offers an opportunity to turn a campaign of mixed fortunes into a genuine championship challenge.
The Mercedes driver sits third in the standings on 160 points, 59 behind teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli. While Antonelli has emerged as the breakthrough star of 2026, winning six of the opening 11 Grands Prix, Russell has also tasted victory, taking wins in Australia and Austria.
Yet Russell’s season has been less consistent than he would have wanted. His two victories underline his pace and ability to capitalise when opportunities arise, but Antonelli has established a significant advantage. With Mercedes leading the constructors’ championship on 379 points, well clear of Ferrari on 307, Russell’s contribution will be crucial if the team is to maintain its advantage.
The summer break has also given Russell a chance to reset mentally as he looks to close the gap to his younger teammate. He has long placed importance on preparation and performance psychology, revealing: “I've publicly spoken that I work with a sports psychologist whom I've worked with for a number of years.”
Russell explained that the relationship is about more than simply dealing with adversity: “I've been working with a sports psychologist since 2020. This was more to help me get the most out of myself - but also the people who I work with, how best to handle the pressures of a race weekend, or how best to handle my energy over the course of a season.”
That long-term approach could prove valuable during the championship run-in. “It isn't necessarily to help in the really tough times. That's a great help, but I'm very fortunate that I have a great group of people close to me,” he added.
Zandvoort presents Russell with an immediate chance to make up ground. With Antonelli leading the title race and Mercedes firmly in control of the constructors’ standings, the pressure is on Russell to rediscover the consistency that could turn his season into a championship charge.
Drivers’ Championship standings (top five)
1 – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 219 points
2 – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 169
3 – George Russell (Mercedes) – 160
4 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 138
5 – Lando Norris (McLaren) – 218
Constructors’ Championship standings (top five)
1 – Mercedes – 379 points
2 – Ferrari – 307
3 – McLaren – 220
4 – Red Bull Racing – 177
5 – Racing Bulls – 66
2025 Dutch Grand Prix podium
1 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
2 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
3 – Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
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