Wolff Backs Russell to Respond to Antonelli in Canada

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says George Russell will leave "no stone unturned" as he fights back in the F1 title race and expects a strong response in Montreal.

Russell heads to the Canadian Grand Prix 20 points adrift of championship leader Kimi Antonelli after a difficult Miami weekend, where he struggled for pace while his younger team-mate claimed a third consecutive victory. Russell blamed the low‑grip surface in Miami for the deficit but knows he must change the momentum at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — a race he won last year.

"George is a killer. What makes him so good is he never stops fighting or attacking," Wolff told Sky Sports F1. "I've seen him throughout his career in junior formulas and karting and here (in F1). He's going for this and won't leave a stone unturned. I have no doubt the two of them will fight for points throughout the season."

Wolff highlighted Russell's greater experience and believes the 28‑year‑old will not be fazed by Antonelli's recent form. "These things, he analyses them, looks at the data, comes to his conclusions, and the conclusion is that he's never been quite at ease on this track, and he never liked the smooth surface. That's it. Tick the box. He's looking forward to Montreal," Wolff said.

Broadcasters have warned the pressure will rise if Russell cannot outpace Antonelli in Canada. Speaking on the F1 Show podcast, David Croft said that if Russell doesn't beat his team-mate there, "alarm bells will be ringing."

Russell, who made his F1 debut with Williams in 2019 and joined Mercedes in 2022, has acknowledged Antonelli's current momentum but insists he is not fixated on the championship at this stage. "I'm not even considering it," he said, pointing to the way momentum swings over a season and stressing his immediate goal is to return to the top step of the podium. "The first three races I had the performance to do that, but this weekend I absolutely did not have the performance to do that."

Formula 1 moves to Montreal next for another Sprint weekend, where Russell will aim to reset the title battle and close the gap on Antonelli.