George Russell focused on his "controllables" ahead of 100th Formula 1 race with Mercedes in Barcelona

After starting the 2026 Formula 1 season in fine style, dominating the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Russell has been comprehensively beaten by teammate Kimi Antonelli, with bad luck playing a factor in the Briton's plight.

After a pointless weekend in Monaco where he lacked performance and was slapped by multiple penalties, Russell is hoping for a normal weekend in Barcelona as he is now third in the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Standings.

"I’m just dying to have a smooth weekend," he said. "I’m not asking for the world to give me luck; I just want neutral luck. That’s how it goes in racing sometimes.

“I’ve had six races. Monaco and Miami, honestly speaking, my performance wasn’t strong enough. The other four, I think my performances have been very strong. We’re stood here and probably could have had three more podiums if things had just gone normal.

“I didn’t need any good fortune, just normality. That’s where we are. There’s nothing I can change. I’m just super focused on my controllables, on what I can do to keep on improving.

“I’m feeling good; I’m feeling positive. If these things outside of my control continue, then they’re going to continue. If they don’t, fantastic," he maintained.

Asked whether he was surprised with Antonelli's current form, Russell responded: “I always knew Kimi was an amazing driver.

“You don’t have this career trajectory without being a fantastic driver, so I always knew the fight was going to be tight with Kimi, as it should always be with two great drivers.

“He’s doing a really amazing job at the moment, so I give him a huge amount of credit.”

Asked whether he tries to learn from what Antonelli does, the Briton said: “I think we definitely have different driving styles, but it’s something I saw last year, and I think it’s important to follow what works for you.

“Sometimes when you see someone doing a better job at a certain circuit, you want to try and emulate it. Maybe it doesn’t quite work for what you need.

“He’s a super amazing driver, and he’s on an amazing roll at the moment. I’m just hoping for a clean weekend, and we can take the fight back to him like we did in Canada," Russell concluded. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)