Kimi Antonelli has revealed that Mercedes has discussed a qualifying strategy for the Italian Grand Prix that could see him sacrifice his own position to help teammate George Russell. Antonelli is already set to start from the back of the grid at Monza after Mercedes elected to fit a new power unit, making qualifying less important for his final race position. The young Italian remains determined to contribute to Mercedes’ championship ambitions while also enjoying his home race.
Asked whether he would help Russell by providing a slipstream in qualifying, Antonelli said, “Yeah, it has been discussed with the team. And, yes, we have agreed on a few things. So let’s see how the session develops. But if the team will ask me to do so, I will do it. I will still be happy to do pole, but, of course, I’m starting at the back. So, if I could do anything to help the team, I will do it.”
On his mindset for the weekend, he added, “I would be very happy if I would win. Yeah, definitely takes the pressure away. I feel like definitely going in the car with very minimal thoughts in the mind, just very free, and just going to enjoy the driving and the weekend. So, of course, the goal is always the same, and we’re going to try to maximise the result. But, yeah, I think in an ideal world, I think realistically top five, you can do well.”
“The priority was to give the car in second the best chance”: Mercedes explains Kimi Antonelli- George Russell team order
Mercedes has explained the reasoning behind its controversial team order involving Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the Dutch Grand Prix. Antonelli had gained an advantage by making a free pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car, moving ahead of Russell and returning to second. Mercedes subsequently instructed Russell to let his teammate through, allowing Antonelli to chase leader Lando Norris while Russell focused on defending his podium position from Ferrari. The decision was based on a strategy discussion held before the race, with the team prioritising the car best placed to attack.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord explained, “We had also been very clear in the Sunday morning strategy meeting that the field was too close for our drivers to lose time fighting one another. That discussion provided the basis for the decision.” He added, “Had the circumstances been reversed, we would have acted in exactly the same way. The priority was to give the car in second the best chance of attacking, while giving the car in third clear air and the best opportunity to defend its position.” Addressing Russell’s reaction, Lord said, “No,” when asked if there was concern. He explained, “George naturally questioned the instruction when he first received it, but he understood the wider picture.”
