# George Russell title hopes defended by Toto Wolff as Kimi Antonelli nears F1 crown
_Mercedes chief Toto Wolff rejected Helmut Marko's doubts about George Russell's title chances after the Austrian's comments in Austin._

- Publisher: Apex Sports News (https://apexsportsnews.in)
- Canonical URL: https://apexsportsnews.in/news/george-russell-title-hopes-defended-by-toto-wolff-as-kimi-antonelli-nears-f1
- Author: Atul, Editor (https://apexsportsnews.in/author/atul)
- Published: 2026-10-28T02:41:53.556Z
- Section: Formula 1
- Topics: Kimi Antonelli, Formula 1, Mercedes, George Russell, Toto Wolff, Helmut Marko
## Summary

Toto Wolff has rejected Helmut Marko's claim that George Russell will never get another shot at the Formula 1 title. Russell trails team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 123 points in the drivers' standings ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.

## Key takeaways

- Wolff said Marko is wrong about Russell and that the Mercedes driver has all the ability to win a championship.
- Russell sits 123 points behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli in the drivers' standings.
- Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix to seal the title with four rounds to spare.
- Marko said Russell is no longer Mercedes' number one driver and doubted he would ever get another title chance.
- The Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled for 30 October to 1 November.

## Article

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has rejected former Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko's claim that George Russell will never get another shot at the Formula 1 world title. Wolff made the comments after Marko questioned Russell's prospects ahead of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Motorsport.com reported Wolff's defence of Russell, while Sky Sports said Antonelli won the Austin race to move to the brink of becoming the sport's youngest ever champion. The 20-year-old Italian needs only to finish ninth at the Mexico City Grand Prix to seal the title with four rounds remaining.

## What we know

Russell currently sits 123 points behind his team-mate and current championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the drivers' standings, according to Motorsport.com. Speaking to Sky Sports Deutschland before the United States Grand Prix, Marko said Antonelli had taken over as Mercedes' lead driver and doubted whether Russell would ever have another chance at the world title or be given number one status anywhere. Sky Sports reported Marko's full remarks, in which he called Russell's situation a massive setback and a blow. Wolff responded after the race in Austin, telling reporters he respects Marko's opinion but believes he is wrong about George Russell.

> George has all the ability. I think the car doesn't suit him.
> — Toto Wolff

Wolff added that Russell has won in every category and merits to be put in the group of the very best drivers, Sky Sports reported. He said the major regulation change before the 2026 season is the main reason for Russell's struggles, but insisted it is on the team to help Russell rediscover his best form. Wolff said that when the car suits Russell, he is absolutely fast, but when it drops out of its operational window, he struggles more than Kimi Antonelli.

## Why it matters

Antonelli's historic campaign has been the most shocking element of the season, Sky Sports reported, because he has outperformed Russell, who began the year as the clear title favourite after dominating Antonelli during the latter's rookie season in 2025. Russell joined Mercedes for the 2022 season and impressed with Lewis Hamilton as his team-mate for his first three years with the Silver Arrows.

### Mercedes drivers' championship position and points gap

| Driver | Standings position | Points behind leader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kimi Antonelli | 1 | 0 |
| George Russell | 2 | 123 |

## What happens next

The 19th round of the 2026 season, the Mexican Grand Prix, is scheduled for 30 October to 1 November, Motorsport.com reported. Antonelli can seal the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix by finishing ninth. Wolff said he believes a new season, with a quick car provided to George Russell, makes a championship absolutely possible. He said it is too easy to forget Russell's years of success in F2, F3 and European karting championships.

> I think he's wrong on George.
> — Toto Wolff

### Related on Apex Sports News

- [Kimi Antonelli can win F1 title at Mexico City Grand Prix](https://apexsportsnews.in/news/kimi-antonelli-can-win-f1-title-at-mexico-city-grand-prix)
- [Kimi Antonelli wins 2026 US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas](https://apexsportsnews.in/news/kimi-antonelli-wins-2026-us-grand-prix-at-circuit-of-the-americas)
- [Leclerc fastest from Antonelli in US GP practice](https://apexsportsnews.in/news/leclerc-fastest-from-antonelli-in-us-gp-practice)

### Sources

- [Motorsport.com](https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/george-russell-f1-title-chances-defended-by-toto-wolff-after-helmut-marko-comments/10868961/)
- [skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13604106/george-russell-toto-wolff-rejects-helmut-markos-doubts-over-mercedes-drivers-future-hopes-as-kimi-antonelli-nears-title)
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