George Russell has explained how he believes he has "an answer" as to why Kimi Antonelli has been faster than him in the 2026 season.
Russell finds himself 81 points behind Antonelli in the drivers' standings following the Spanish Grand Prix, as his title hopes dwindle as the 20-year-old marches towards being crowned champion.
Antonelli has won eight grands prix to Russell's two, giving the former an even stronger buffer than the points situation, with Russell previously struggling firstly with car feeling and then a mysterious power supply issue which wrecked his qualifying at the Hungarian GP.
However, since he last finished ahead of Antonelli in a grand prix, at Silverstone, Russell has taken just two podiums in five grands prix, plus victory in the Dutch Sprint, whilst Antonelli has three wins, a second, and a third.
Reflecting on the situation, Russell believes that whilst he does have answers on how to beat Antonelli, it is proving easier said than done.
"I mean, I do have an answer, and I am working on it," Russell told media, including RacingNews365.
"I think it's been much improved, and I'm very pleased with the step I've taken, because fundamentally changing the driving style is achievable for a lot of drivers.
"But then actually being fast with it is another topic, and I feel my performance since the summer break has been [strong].
"I've qualified ahead of [Antonelli] in three qualifying sessions, and my race pace has been on a par with him in these races, and I couldn't say that pre-[summer] break.
"I'm definitely pleased with the progression, and we'll have to see where the rest of the season takes me."
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Russell vs Antonelli
Heading into this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which is being held on Saturday, Russell finds himself over three grands prix worth of points behind Antonelli.
Do you think the Briton will be able to reduce the gap to the Italian over the remainder of the season or will Antonelli further extend his points lead as he glides towards becoming the youngest world champion in F1 history?
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