George Russell offered F1 title boost in McLaren example

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has stated George Russell’s title hopes remain very much alive despite his team-mate’s strong run of form.

Kimi Antonelli has won the last three grands prix, extending his lead over Russell to 20 points in the drivers’ championship.

Momentum is now firmly in Antonelli’s favour as he continues his impressive start to his second season in F1.

However, Brundle pointed out that last year Lando Norris also trailed team-mate Oscar Piastri before a late-season surge saw him clinch the title at the Abu Dhabi finale.

"There's a long way to go,” Brundle told Sky Sports News. “There's 482 points available in this championship.

"I don't think the points deficit is that much of a problem for George Russell. 

“For example, last year in Canada, Lando Norris had a clumsy accident with his team-mate Oscar Piastri in the McLaren, and that looked like he'd hurt his championship chances, then he goes on to become world champion.”

The next round of the season takes place this weekend in Canada around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where last year, Russell emerged victorious.

Despite the assurance that there is still a long way to go in the campaign, Brundle insisted Russell must bring a swift halt to Antonelli's run to gain in the psychological battle.

"This is only our fifth grand prix of the season, and it's going to be a challenging one,” he said. 

“It's the first Sprint in Canada. It's going to be cold. It might be wet on race day. It's going to be quite the challenge.

"George needs to stop Antonelli in his tracks and get a few points back against him, but I think it's more psychological than the mathematics."