Kimi Antonelli clinched the F1 drivers' title with four rounds to spare on Sunday, becoming the youngest-ever world champion. His Mercedes team-mate George Russell finished sixth after a battery issue on the opening lap and a 10-second penalty for colliding with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar.
Russell started the season as championship favourite after beating Antonelli comfortably in 2025. This year he managed three wins to Antonelli's nine and has generally been outpaced, though he has also suffered considerable bad luck.
Martin Brundle told Sky Sports that Russell "will be broken" watching Antonelli win. "George has not been as fast as Kimi, especially in the second half of stints," Brundle said. "That's what will get to George. He has either got an overdrive or it's game over."
Russell was excused from post-Mexico City media duties because he was "distraught," according to Mercedes principal Toto Wolff. The FIA fined Mercedes 5,000 euros for his absence. Brundle said he "doesn't blame" Russell for his reaction. "I think it was a step too far for George to have to congratulate him," he said, adding that Russell should not have to face questions at "his lowest ebb."
On Antonelli, Brundle said he thought the 20-year-old might "fall apart" but instead he "flourished" with wins in Monaco, Monza and Austin. "I do think Antonelli has all the hallmarks of a multiple F1 champion," Brundle said.