George Russell is facing serious questions about his mental game after a tough weekend in Miami—and two Formula 1 legends aren't holding back. On the latest episode of The Chequered Flag podcast, former world champion Damon Hill and ex-McLaren star Juan Pablo Montoya dug into Russell's mindset at Mercedes, following a race where his teammate, rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli, stormed to his third win of the season.

"He's gone missing," Hill said bluntly, pointing to a growing gap in confidence between the two Mercedes drivers. "When your teammate is winning races and you're struggling to keep pace, it's not just about car setup—it's about what's going on upstairs."

Montoya agreed, noting that Russell's frustration was visible throughout the Miami Grand Prix weekend. "In Formula 1, momentum is everything. Right now, Antonelli has it, and Russell is fighting shadows. He needs to find that edge again, or he'll get left behind."

The 2026 season has been a rollercoaster for Mercedes. While Antonelli has emerged as a championship contender, Russell—once seen as the team's future leader—has struggled to match his younger teammate's pace and consistency. For fans and analysts alike, the question is no longer about talent, but about resilience.

Want to hear the full debate? Catch The Chequered Flag podcast now on BBC iPlayer.