George Russell details F1 title approach after latest setback

George Russell has conceded it will be “exceptionally challenging” to overcome Kimi Antonelli's advantage in the drivers' championship this year.

As a result, the Briton insisted he is giving no thought to the title fight.

Russell entered the Italian Grand Prix last weekend with a strong opportunity to eat into Antonelli's lead as the local favourite took a grid penalty for a new engine.

However, Antonelli quickly worked his way through the pack and soon found himself in the fight for the lead against Russell, passing him in the closing stages on fresher tyres.

Antonelli's victory now puts him 66 points ahead of Russell, leading the latter to praise his team-mate.

“Definitely Kimi’s in control of it and he’s deserving to be in control of it,” Russell told media including RacingNews365.

“For me personally, I’m not even thinking about a fight or a comeback or anything. 

“I’m just focused on taking it race by race and trying to maximise every single weekend.”

Antonelli has had the upper hand on Russell for much of the year and has consistently edged out the gap as he targets a maiden title.

Russell asserted his target going forward is simply to maximise race weekends, rather than focusing on the points difference.

“He’s performing incredibly well,” Russell added. “It’s going to be exceptionally challenging to overcome that gap.

“I’m just sort of accepting that it is what it is and I’m just going to enjoy it from here on in and try and win as many races as possible.”