Revitalised Russell says he can fight for victory week-in, week-out

"I ​think I never lost that faith in myself," said Russell, who kept ​a charging Max Verstappen at bay for much of the race's ⁠closing stages.

His form around a layout that rewards confidence but is known for ​catching drivers out stands in stark contrast to struggles earlier in a season that ​saw him eclipsed by 20-year-old championship-leading teammate Kimi Antonelli.

The Italian has scored eight wins to Russell’s three, but Russell said work he put in to adapt his driving style to the 2026 cars ​over the sport's summer break had been key to his return to form. "Even ​through the tough moments I knew there was a reason why I was off the pace," ‌he ⁠said.

"You know, it's been four races since the break. I’ve been on the front row in three of them, three podiums from the four races. I feel I can fight for victory week-in, week-out now.

"Antonelli, however, said he had his worst ​weekend of the ​season. He started ⁠16th after crashing out of qualifying and finished fifth in the race. That allowed Russell to narrow the gap to Antonelli at ​the head of the standings from 81 points to 66.

Russell ​said his ⁠focus was on winning every race and he wasn't thinking of the title. "If the season were to have started today, or since the summer break, I feel very ⁠much I ​would have been able to fight," he added.

"Now ​I’ve got this big deficit. So I’m not chasing that. I’m chasing to win every race, and ​what will be, will be.

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