George Russell reveals Kimi Antonelli-inspired change that transformed Miami GP

George Russell has revealed that he adjusted his car’s settings to mirror those of team-mate Kimi Antonelli in the closing stages of the Miami Grand Prix.

After the changes, Russell found extra pace and closed in on Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who were battling ahead.

Russell had endured a difficult race up to that point and was forced to cut through traffic after making an early pit stop.

The Briton overtook both Verstappen and Leclerc to secure fourth place, while Antonelli, ahead, went on to win the grand prix.

“It was a difficult race,” Russell told Sky F1. “It felt okay, to be honest, those early laps in the fight.

“The hard tyre was just nowhere. I got some ideas, the last 10 laps were much more competitive, I  made some quite big changes with my differentials and my brake bias.

“It was much closer to what Kimi has been running this whole weekend, which made a bigger impact than I thought.

“But still not a good weekend. I know this place is always a real tough one for me.”

Russell now sits 20 points adrift of Antonelli in the drivers' championship after four rounds.

When asked if he underestimated the threat Antonelli would offer this year, Russell replied: “Not at all, he’s a fantastic driver. He’s been quick since day one.

“You don't win all of the championships as a youngster if you don't have the speed.

“But I’ve still got the confidence in myself, and I've also been there. I’ve not forgotten how to drive.

“It’s just a little bit of a tricky run, but we’re just four races down, there’s a long way to go.

“We’ll reassess things over these next few weeks.”