Kimi Antonelli acknowledges that George Russell continues to possess one significant edge over him.

Let’s be clear: George Russell faced a fiercely challenging 2026 season. With a seemingly magnetic pull towards misfortune, the British driver spent a significant part of the year observing his 20-year-old teammate race ahead to claim the world drivers' championship.

However, if you think Kimi Antonelli is overlooking the other side of the garage, you're mistaken about how Formula 1 competitors think.

Despite Russell's Sundays being plagued by issues this year, his Saturdays remain nothing short of spectacular. There's a compelling reason why the F1 paddock dubbed him Mr. Saturday for years. His knack for wringing out a phenomenal qualifying lap from a car in dire straits continues to be an incredibly potent asset.

And it’s a skill that the newly crowned world champion is keen to acquire.

During the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Antonelli was refreshingly candid about his own shortcomings. Even with the ultimate accolade in hand, he lavished praise on Russell’s one-lap prowess, admitting he is still combing through the veteran's data to learn the secrets behind it.

"He's an exceptional driver, extremely fast, particularly in qualifying," Antonelli remarked. "One aspect I truly admire about him is how quickly he can excel in qualifying, how he finds his rhythm and manages to string together an extraordinary lap."