Kimi Antonelli sent warning as George Russell tipped for Canadian GP comeback

F1 TV presenter and former IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe has warned Kimi Antonelli that his experienced Mercedes team-mate George Russell could end his winning streak at the Canadian Grand Prix later this month. 

Antonelli has surprised the paddock with an incredible start to 2026 in only his second season in the championship. Heading into the season, his team-mate was an easy favourite for the title, but after back-to-back wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, the 19-year-old driver took the lead of the standings. 

Speaking after the Miami Grand Prix, where Antonelli's win from pole position extended his lead over Russell to 20 points, Hinchcliffe claimed that Russell's strength at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve could give him the edge.

"Nothing lasts forever in Formula 1, right? And we're going to a track next that we know George Russell is very competitive at," the former IndyCar driver explained on the F1 TV post-race show.

"He won there last year. It'll be interesting to see how he handles it if George goes there and is able to get the momentum back on his side. How does he handle that wave ebbing and flowing?"

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Sona Maleterova / Getty Images

Russell claimed the victory at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, and Antonelli secured third place.

"It's not as good as first," Hinchcliffe added of Antonelli's 2025 podium finish. "It was a dominant performance from George. But again, the swagger that this kid had when he qualified on pole, he's now getting comfortable winning races. He's now got a signature move he's done on top. That's a thing he's decided he's going to start doing. When you're planning ahead, what's my move going to be when I win? That's a confident kid."

The Canadian Grand Prix weekend will take place from 22-24 May at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and will feature another sprint race.