Formula 1
Miami GP
James Hinchcliffe believes George Russell’s strong track record at the Canadian Grand Prix could put an end to Kimi Antonelli’s winning momentum.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
F1 TV presenter and former IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe has cautioned Kimi Antonelli that his experienced Mercedes teammate, George Russell, might halt his winning streak at the Canadian Grand Prix later this month.
Antonelli has stunned the paddock with a sensational start to the 2026 season in only his second year in the championship. Heading into the campaign, his teammate was widely seen as the title favorite, but after consecutive victories in the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, the 19-year-old driver has taken the lead in the standings.
Speaking after the Miami Grand Prix—where Antonelli’s win from pole position extended his lead over Russell to 20 points—Hinchcliffe noted that Russell’s strength at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve could tip the scales in his favor.
“Nothing lasts forever in Formula 1, right? And we’re heading to a track next where we know George Russell is very competitive,” 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 regain momentum. How does he manage that ebb and flow?”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Photo by: Sona Maleterova / Getty Images
Russell claimed victory at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, while Antonelli finished third. “It’s not as good as first,” Hinchcliffe added of Antonelli’s 2025 podium. “It was a dominant performance from George. But again, the swagger this kid had when he qualified on pole—he’s now getting comfortable winning races. He’s even developed a signature move for winning. When you’re already planning ahead—‘What’s my move going to be when I win?’—that’s a confident kid.”
The Canadian Grand Prix weekend is scheduled for May 22-24 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and will include another sprint race.