2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg believes George Russell is finally back to his best form after a challenging first half of the 2026 season. Russell arrived at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix as a title favourite, but after winning in Melbourne and the Chinese sprint race, he faced multiple issues, including ill-timed safety cars that hampered his strategy and car problems.
Meanwhile, his teenage team-mate Kimi Antonelli took the lead of the standings at the Japanese Grand Prix and went on to win a total of six grands prix in the opening half of the season. That put extra pressure on Russell, whose raw pace in some early races was below expectations.
But the 28-year-old has returned after the summer break refreshed. He won the Dutch sprint race from pole position and qualified second for the Dutch Grand Prix. Rosberg, speaking to Sky Sports F1, said the paddock had been caught off guard by Russell's lack of raw speed in some of the earlier stages of the season.
"It was a big surprise to all of us his performance in the first half of the season," Rosberg explained. "You mentioned bad luck but it wasn't just bad luck, he's also not been quick enough. Antonelli was just the quicker driver. So it's great to see him back at his best here this weekend, he seems really on it. Maybe his engagement has flipped a switch in his mind. He's finally relaxed now because that's done, and it's like the George Russell of old. This is the level we know he's capable of."
Russell explained to Sky Sports F1 that he was feeling more intuitive with the car. "I hope it [my form] continues. It feels more like a normal weekend. The car's feeling more intuitive, I've got more confidence in the car, and then it just comes more naturally. Let's see what today brings. It's going to be an interesting race. I think the Ferraris are going to be quick, Lando will be fast, so it's going to be a good fight."
Russell's return to form is a positive sign for Mercedes in the constructors' championship fight. If Russell can maintain this level, the German squad could have two drivers supporting each other at the front, boosting their chances against Ferrari and Red Bull this season.
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