Martin Brundle calls on George Russell to beat teammate Kimi Antonelli during the Canadian Grand Prix. The Brit could gain an important psychological advantage from this. The Italian currently has a twenty-point lead over Russell, but Brundle does not see that deficit as a big problem for the Mercedes driver. “There are still 482 points to be won in the championship,” Brundle says.
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Martin Brundle thinks that especially the mental aspect could play an important role for George Russell. The deficit is twenty points after four races, although Brundle emphasizes that Russell still has plenty of time to catch Antonelli. “There is still a long way to go. There are still 482 points to be won in the championship. I don’t think the points difference is such a big problem for Russell,” Brundle tells Sky Sports.
‘Considerable challenge’
According to Brundle, Russell is currently in a similar situation to Lando Norris last year. During the Canadian Grand Prix, Norris came into contact with teammate Oscar Piastri, after which many people thought his chances of the world title were gone. In the end, however, the Brit managed to fight back in the championship. “This is only the fifth Grand Prix of the season. It’s the first sprint race of Canada, it’s cold and it might rain. It will be a considerable challenge, but George has to stop Antonelli and make up a few points. I think it’s more psychological than mathematical,” Brundle said.
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A victory for Antonelli would mean he takes his fourth Grand Prix win in a row. Still, Brundle expects Russell not to be underestimated in Montréal, a circuit that normally suits him well. “Antonelli has been formidable. He kept a cool head under pressure in Miami. George struggled there, but is very strong in Canada. Kimi faces a tougher battle in the garage, but his pure speed and consistency have been super impressive,” concludes the former Formula 1 driver.
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