Coulthard: Time for Russell to ‘start eroding’ Antonelli’s confidence

There’s a fine line in Formula 1 between harmony and hierarchy – and right now at Mercedes, that line is beginning to blur in dangerous ways according to former Grand Prix driver David Coulthard.

Because while George Russell was expected to lead the charge in 2026, it’s the teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli who has stormed into the spotlight – two wins in three races, a championship lead, and, perhaps most crucially, growing belief.

And according to Coulthard, that belief is exactly what Russell must now attack.

Confidence is the real battleground

As an F1 veteran who has seen it all, Coulthard doesn’t deal in soft language – and his assessment of Russell’s situation cuts straight to the psychological core of intra-team warfare.

"I think George is realising this is his opportunity and any advantage that they've had in those early races will slowly be eroded as their customer teams understand how to use their energy and as Kimi grows in confidence," the Scot said during the Up To Speed podcast.

The warning is layered. Not only is Mercedes’ early edge under threat as rivals close in, but Antonelli himself is evolving race by race – faster, sharper, and increasingly convinced he belongs at the top.

For Russell, that’s a ticking clock.

‘Start eroding that confidence’

What comes next, in Coulthard’s view, isn’t about outright speed alone – it’s about planting doubt.

"You don't want a really confident team-mate,” he added. “You want a team-mate that's slightly thinking, 'Oh, I'm not sure I can beat him in qualifying.'

“Trust me, I know because I had team-mates where I would sit there looking at the lap time in qualifying thinking, 'I've got one more set of tyres. I don't think I can go any faster.'"

It’s a revealing glimpse into the mental warfare that defines intra-team Formula 1 rivalries. The goal isn’t just to win – it’s to make the other driver hesitate.

"So, George has to now start eroding that confidence within Kimi. And he's having to do that whilst of course, [keeping] the facade of the team. Mercedes, you know, we love each other, everyone's fine, but it will come to a head,” the 13-time Grand Prix winner concluded.

That “facade” may be the most fragile element of all. Mercedes has long prided itself on unity – but history suggests that when two title contenders share a garage, unity rarely survives intact.

Read also: Unfazed Russell dismisses Antonelli momentum in early title fight

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