George Russell has promised to rediscover his best form after admitting that Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli's title-winning season has been the most difficult campaign of his own Formula 1 career.

In a message posted on Instagram on Monday, Russell acknowledged both misfortune and his own shortcomings after a championship challenge that began with victory in Australia faded.

This season started off exactly how I had hoped but it very quickly unravelled with tough luck and poor performances, he wrote.

Has it been tough to deal with? Yes, very, he wrote. Confusion at times? Often.

Russell congratulated Antonelli and credited Mercedes with producing the strongest car and power unit. His message also acknowledged the strain of having to pick himself up after repeated setbacks.

Mexico provided another example. A power deployment problem hurt his opening lap, and a collision with Isack Hadjar brought a 10-second penalty. Sixth place left him fourth in the championship as Antonelli celebrated the title.

Russell has won three Grands Prix this season, compared with his teammate's nine. His response is to focus on recovering the level he believes he has shown throughout his career, starting with the remaining races and carrying that work into 2027.

Alongside his promise to recover, he added: fingers crossed a little bit of luck returns.