# Kimi Antonelli vows to re-establish order over Russell

> Kimi Antonelli promises to re-establish his championship lead over George Russell at Malaysia's Bahrain GP after Azerbaijan GP loss.
- Title: Kimi Antonelli vows to re-establish order over Russell
- Summary: Kimi Antonelli promises to re-establish his championship lead over George Russell at Malaysia's Bahrain GP after Azerbaijan GP loss. Kimi Antonelli aims to…
- Keywords: kimi antonelli, george russell, mercedes, bahrain grand prix, malaysia, championship lead, azerbaijan grand prix, sports, Kimi, Antonelli, vows, re-establish
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/f1/news/12040/13592946/kimi-antonelli-vows-to-re-establish-the-order-over-george-russell-at-bahrain-gp-in-malaysia-after-losing-out-in-azerbaijan
- Published: 2026-09-29T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kimi antonelli, george russell, mercedes, bahrain grand prix, malaysia, f1, championship lead, azerbaijan grand prix, sports
## Kimi Antonelli's Azerbaijan GP result
Kimi Antonelli finished fifth in Azerbaijan Grand Prix after struggling with technical issues and a crash in qualifying.

> He's always been my rival. But I'll make sure next week I re-establish the order
## Championship lead reduced to 66 points
Antonelli's championship lead over George Russell dropped to 66 points with eight rounds remaining after Russell's Azerbaijan GP victory.

> The result cut Antonelli's lead over his Mercedes team-mate to 66 points with eight rounds remaining
## Antonelli's performance in Azerbaijan
Antonelli missed practice sessions due to technical issues and crashed in qualifying, starting from 16th on the grid.

> FP1 I did three laps and then missed the half of FP2
## Antonelli's confidence in Malaysia
Antonelli expressed confidence he will return to his usual performance level at the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

> I'll make sure next week I re-establish the order and just make sure that I will be at back at my usual level
## Mercedes team response
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord stated Antonelli's performance won't be psychologically affected by Russell's recent success.

> I don't really think it makes a difference
## Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Formula 1 returns to Malaysia for the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit on Friday morning.

> Formula 1 heads to Malaysia for the first time since 2017 as it hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit
## Next race impact
Antonelli aims to re-establish his championship lead over Russell at the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

> I'm really looking forward to it
## Key takeaway

Kimi Antonelli aims to regain his championship lead over George Russell at the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after finishing fifth in Azerbaijan.