The 2016 Formula 1 champion, Nico Rosberg, stated that George Russell has regained his best level after a difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Russell faced a complicated beginning. While he was one of the title favorites before the season started, after winning the Australian Grand Prix and a fast race in China, he encountered several obstacles, including poorly timed safety and mechanical issues with his car.
In contrast, his young teammate, Kimi Antonelli, led the standings after the Japanese Grand Prix, winning a total of six races during the first half of the season.
After the summer break, Russell has returned renewed, winning the fast race in the Netherlands from pole position and achieving a second place in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix.
Speaking with _Sky Sports F1_, Rosberg commented that Russell’s lack of speed in the early moments of the season surprised many. “It was a great surprise for all of us his performance in the first half of the season. Although there was bad luck, it wasn’t just that; he simply wasn’t fast enough. Antonelli was just faster,” Rosberg explained.
Rosberg expressed his satisfaction in seeing that Russell is back at his best level. “It seems like it’s the George Russell from before. This is what we know he is capable of doing,” he added.
Russell, for his part, commented that he feels more comfortable with the car and more confident, expressing his desire for this form to continue. “I hope it continues like this. It feels like a more normal weekend. The car feels more intuitive, and everything flows more naturally,” he declared.
Looking ahead to the race, Russell warned that the competition, like Ferrari and Lando Norris, promises to be intense, adding excitement to the upcoming day.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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