George Russell faces challenges as Hamilton closes the gap in standings
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 5:41 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026

At the Formula 1 Barcelona Grand Prix on June 14, Lewis Hamilton secured a convincing victory, marking Ferrari's first win since 2024. George Russell, initially believed to be in contention for the world title, now finds himself trailing his teammate Hamilton in the championship standings after a series of setbacks. Russell's recent performances have been marred by technical problems and penalties, raising concerns about his ability to compete against Hamilton and championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff indicated a potential team order situation if the internal competition leads to further issues, complicating Russell's position as the season progresses.
- •Hamilton wins the Barcelona GP, Ferrari's first since 2024.
- •Russell trails teammate Hamilton in championship standings.
- •Wolff discusses possible team orders for Mercedes drivers.
- •Russell's recent performances include multiple technical issues.
- •Championship battle intensifies with Hamilton within striking distance.
- 5:41 AMYahoo Sports — Who slept best last night: Marco Antonelli
- 5:41 AMMotorsport.com — Who slept worst last night: George Russell
- 5:41 AMYahoo Sports — Who slept worst last night: George Russell
- 6:00 AMYahoo Sports — Who slept the worst last night: George Russell
- 6:00 AMMotorsport.com — Who slept the worst last night: George Russell
"I try to choose my subjects for this column a little more imaginatively than simply asking who had the worst time at the most recent grand prix. After all, I do not want to bore our readers by writing about Lance Stroll & Co. every single week. That is why I had not really intended to write about George Russell. After Suzuka and Barcelona, colleagues of mine have already made him sleep badly ...Keep reading
"I should be admitting that it was me who slept badly this Monday. After all, I was also one of those who did not believe in Lewis Hamilton's chance of victory. I did not rule out that the record world champion would eventually win a race for Ferrari with a bit of luck, but that he would do it in such convincing fashion was not on my radar. Yes, he had a bit of luck with the virtual safety ...Keep reading
"18 points made up and still the big loser - Why George Russell is slowly running out of explanations and what additional problem he now has
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 5:41 AMWho slept best last night: Marco Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli is now officially a son of the whole nation - something his dad is surely proud of
- Motorsport.comSep 7, 2026, 5:41 AMWho slept worst last night: George Russell
I try to choose my subjects for this column a little more imaginatively than simply asking who had the worst time at the most recent grand prix. After all, I do not want to bore our readers by writing about Lance Stroll & Co. every single week. That is why I had not really intended to write about George Russell. After Suzuka and Barcelona, colleagues of mine have already made him sleep badly ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 5:41 AMWho slept worst last night: George Russell
The Briton held his head high on the second step of the Italian GP podium, but it was a race he should have won
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 6:00 AMWho slept the worst last night: George Russell
18 points made up and still the big loser - Why George Russell is slowly running out of explanations and what additional problem he now has
- Motorsport.comJun 15, 2026, 6:00 AMWho slept the worst last night: George Russell
I should be admitting that it was me who slept badly this Monday. After all, I was also one of those who did not believe in Lewis Hamilton's chance of victory. I did not rule out that the record world champion would eventually win a race for Ferrari with a bit of luck, but that he would do it in such convincing fashion was not on my radar. Yes, he had a bit of luck with the virtual safety ...Keep reading
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