Russell confident Mercedes have ‘very good shot’ of claiming P2 in Teams’ Championship battle

George Russell is confident that Mercedes have a “very good shot” of sealing second place in the Teams’ Championship during the season finale in Abu Dhabi, with the Silver Arrows needing to fend off the challenge posed by Red Bull.

After overtaking Ferrari for P2 following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September, Mercedes further consolidated that position at the next race in Singapore, where Russell clinched his second victory of the campaign.

But while the Scuderia have slipped further back to a now confirmed position of fourth, Red Bull have moved forwards thanks to Max Verstappen’s strong run during the second half of the season, meaning that the Milton Keynes-based outfit sit 33 points behind Mercedes.

Asked for his thoughts on the upcoming event in Abu Dhabi during Thursday’s media day, Russell reiterated that the team’s aim is to secure that all-important runner-up spot in the championship.

“It's another race, to be honest. Obviously, we want to try and secure P2 in the Constructors’ Championship,” the Briton explained. “It was a bit of a shame we couldn't achieve that in Qatar, but we have a very good shot this weekend and [we’ll] just go out and enjoy the last race of the season.”

Reflecting back on how the squad performed last time out at the Lusail International Circuit, Russell – who finished the race in P6 – suggested that the final result did not necessarily reflect the team’s potential.

“I think, thanks to Isack [Hadjar], I had quite a long race in traffic!” Russell remarked. “I think, unfortunately, we were very competitive. I think it was only really Oscar [Piastri] who was more competitive.

“I think, nine times out of 10 when you are very competitive, the result is there. And I think, unfortunately, this was the one out of 10 times when you do have the car, and unfortunately, it doesn't go the way you hope.

“And I think that Lap 7 Safety Car, starting on the inside – I think every driver in the first four rows who started on the inside lost at least one position – so that just compromised the whole weekend.”

While Mercedes are yet to have their second place confirmed in the Teams’ Championship, Russell will end the campaign in fourth place of the Drivers’ standings, equalling his previous career-best result in 2022.

When quizzed on which season was the better one for him, the 27-year-old answered: “I think both seasons were very strong. I'd say this season, without doubt, has been my most competitive.

“I think 2022 was really challenging, experiencing porpoising for the first time and the challenges we were going through as a team and also my first year against Lewis [Hamilton]. But I think this has been a strong year.”

Also hoping to secure second place for Mercedes during the Abu Dhabi weekend is Russell’s team mate Kimi Antonelli, who will complete his maiden campaign in the sport at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Reflecting back on his debut season as an F1 driver, Antonelli – who sits in seventh place of the Drivers' Championship – summarised: “It's been going very fast, faster than expected. Melbourne feels not long ago, and I'm actually sad we're already at the end of the season.

“I would like to have a few more races – of course it’s not possible, but I've been enjoying quite a lot. A season of ups and downs, but we've been having a strong second last part of the season.

“Definitely a lot of positives to take away and, despite the difficult moments, I have to say I've learnt massively and I grew up a lot as a person and I matured a lot. Really glad, just aiming to finish the season on a high and focus on 2026.”