Daily News 19

Tag: Mercedes

  • F1 Spanish GP: George Russell tops FP1 as Lewis Hamilton impedes several drivers

    F1 Spanish GP: George Russell tops FP1 as Lewis Hamilton impedes several drivers

    George Russell Tops Historic First F1 Session at Madring for Spanish Grand Prix

    Mercedes driver George Russell set the pace in the inaugural Formula 1 session at the brand-new Madring circuit, leading Free Practice 1 for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. The session marked the first time F1 cars have run on the Madrid street layout, with 20 of the 22 entries taking to the track within the opening 100 seconds.

    Early Running and Tyre Strategies

    Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto were the last to emerge from the garages. Initial flying laps were tentative, with most drivers circulating in the 1m42s to 1m45s range. However, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris immediately dropped into the 1m39s bracket.

    Lap times tumbled rapidly. Within eight minutes, Hamilton—now driving for Ferrari—lowered the benchmark to 1m36.066s. He successively improved to 1m35.563s and 1m34.803s on medium tyres. Team-mate Charles Leclerc briefly went 0.120s quicker, but Hamilton responded with a 1m34.620s to reclaim top spot before the soft-compound runs began.

    Gabriel Bortoleto was the only driver to start on hard tyres. When the field switched to softs, Kimi Antonelli and Russell’s opening efforts fell 0.063s and 0.109s short of Hamilton’s medium-tyre reference.

    Mercedes Lock Out the Front Row

    Russell’s third flyer—a 1m34.145s—moved him to the top of the timesheets. He then improved to a session-best 1m34.077s. Antonelli followed in 1m34.363s, giving Mercedes a 1-2.

    Both Leclerc and Hamilton ran wide at Turn 17. Leclerc narrowly improved his personal best, while Hamilton ended the session as the only driver not to set his quickest lap on soft tyres—alongside Yuki Tsunoda, whose Running Bulls suffered a power-steering failure with 25 minutes remaining.

    Midfield Battle and Impeding Incidents

    Verstappen finished fifth ahead of Norris, Arvid Lindblad—who cleared the midfield pack—and Oscar Piastri. Hulkenberg, Liam Lawson, Bortoleto, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, and Colapinto were grouped between 1m35.5s and 1m35.9s.

    Home favourite Fernando Alonso placed an encouraging 15th by Aston Martin’s current standards, ahead of one Haas, both Williams, both Cadillacs, and team-mate Lance Stroll.

    The session’s main flashpoint came when Lindblad, on a flying lap, encountered the slow-moving Mercedes of Antonelli and Ferrari of Hamilton in the La Monumental section.

    “These same two guys, man! Like, I don’t know what they’re doing, they’re just stupid, right in the fast corner! It’s actually very dangerous, it’s been twice now.”

    Hamilton was subsequently involved in further impeding incidents at the expense of Leclerc and Hulkenberg. Carlos Sainz also complained over team radio about the manner in which the seven-time world champion let him past at La Monumental.

    Spanish Grand Prix FP1 Classification

    Full session results and statistical analysis are available via the official timing screens.

  • George Russell ‘overanalysing everything’ as Kimi Antonelli Extends F1 Lead, Says Former Driver

    George Russell ‘overanalysing everything’ as Kimi Antonelli Extends F1 Lead, Says Former Driver

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has offered a contrasting assessment of the Mercedes driver lineup, suggesting George Russell is overthinking his approach while championship leader Kimi Antonelli is performing with instinctive ease. The analysis arrives as the paddock prepares for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit in Madrid.

    Montoya Analyzes Mercedes Dynamic After Monza 1-2

    The Brackley-based squad celebrated a dominant 1-2 finish at the recent Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli secured a remarkable victory in front of his home crowd after starting 19th on the grid, while Russell finished second. Speaking on the F1 TV Weekend Warm-Up show, Montoya highlighted a fundamental difference in how the two drivers are extracting performance from the machinery.

    “He needs to learn and understand why it works so well for Kimi,” Montoya said of Russell.

    “The medium tyres were a little better than people expected on speed, especially as they got older. Actually, the speed stayed, there was really no degradation on those tyres. I think George is trying to overanalyse everything with the driving. He wants to do everything so right.

    “And Kimi is letting it happen more naturally. Kimi is just going for it, and things are working out. It’s like whatever he’s doing is working, and it’s really hard to beat Kimi because he doesn’t seem to get it wrong. His wrongs end up being right.”

    Antonelli’s ‘Unbeatable’ Rhythm

    The Colombian seven-time race winner elaborated on the Italian rookie’s current form, describing a scenario where even errors translate into advantages.

    “He goes through the gravel and he gases it and the car keeps going. He just can’t get it wrong. And when you have that, it’s really hard to beat.

    “George needs to understand the way he’s managing the tyres, maybe he needs to be a little more aggressive and just keep trying. He’s got the guy there. He’s got the information. And I think it’s a good lesson for George to get himself to a better level. The speed is not the question. It’s how the execution is happening.”

    Championship Standings Context

    Heading into the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, the championship picture reflects Antonelli’s strong start to the season. The Mercedes rookie holds a 66-point advantage over his more experienced teammate in the drivers’ standings, underscoring the effectiveness of the natural driving style Montoya described.

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at Mercedes. Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
  • George Russell’s Telling Admission After Monza F1 Defeat to Kimi Antonelli

    George Russell’s Telling Admission After Monza F1 Defeat to Kimi Antonelli

    Russell Concedes 2026 Title Hopes But Finds Performance Answers as Antonelli Extends Lead

    George Russell has effectively conceded his chances of winning the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, though the Mercedes driver insists he has identified the reasons behind his difficult campaign relative to team-mate Kimi Antonelli.

    The Briton trails the championship-leading Antonelli by 66 points with ten rounds remaining, a significant deficit for a driver who entered the new regulatory era as the pre-season title favourite. Russell’s struggles have been particularly pronounced during Antonelli’s five-race winning streak earlier in the season.

    Driving Style Mismatch Identified

    Speaking in Monaco amid his team-mate’s dominant run, Russell suggested his naturally smoother driving style is less suited to the 2026 machinery than Antonelli’s more aggressive approach. The 28-year-old has spent much of the season adapting his technique, showing signs of progress since the summer break by outqualifying the 20-year-old in the last three sessions. However, race pace remains a deficit.

    That gap was starkly illustrated at Monza last weekend, where Antonelli produced a sensational drive from 19th on the grid — following an engine-change penalty — to overtake Russell, who started second, and claim victory. The result left the Italian rookie with one hand firmly on his maiden title.

    Russell: “I Do Have an Answer”

    Asked ahead of this weekend’s Madrid Grand Prix if he could explain Antonelli’s superior speed, Russell was candid about his self-analysis.

    “I do have an answer and I’m working on it.

    “I think it’s been much improved. So I’m very pleased with that sort of step I’ve taken because fundamentally changing the driving style, I think, is achievable for a lot of drivers.

    “But then actually being fast with it is another topic and I feel my performance since the summer break has been, you know, I’ve qualified ahead of him in the three qualifying sessions.

    “My race pace has been on a par with him in these two races and I couldn’t say that pre-break. So, as I said, I’m definitely very pleased with that progression. We’ll have to see where the rest of the season takes us.”

    Title Realism Sets In

    Despite the recent qualifying gains, Russell acknowledges the championship picture is bleak. The situation represents a dramatic reversal from 2025, when Russell arguably enjoyed his best season yet, maximising the W16 to finish fourth while Antonelli endured an up-and-down rookie campaign in seventh.

    “I definitely need some luck and I need some good performances,” added Russell. “It’s not really something I’m thinking about because, as I said, right now he’s performing better than me.

    “So he deserves to be leading the championship. There’s still a long way to go, but he’s yet to have a bad weekend in terms of performance. So he’s performing exceptionally well.

    “My performances are better, but if I want to win this championship, I’m going to need some luck on the way.

    “But it’s not something I’m focused on. I’m focused on driving faster and just finding more performance.”

    Antonelli Refuses Championship Mindset

    For his part, Antonelli insists he is not thinking about the title either. The Italian views his Monza comeback — charging from the back to win — as proof that a championship-focused mindset would be detrimental.

    “I don’t even know how many races are left. Eight? Ten, so still a long way to go,” said Antonelli.

    “I don’t really want to drive thinking about the championship. Monza was proof that I wasn’t driving, thinking about or worrying about the championship, I was just driving to win, to do my best and that’s the mindset.

    “Of course, there might be an occasion in the future where, before taking a certain decision, I might think about the championship.

    “But the thing I want to avoid is driving, going on track for a free practice or a qualifying or even a race, thinking about or worrying about the championship. That’s the thing I want to avoid at all costs!”

    With ten races remaining, the mathematical possibility of a Russell fightback exists, but both drivers appear aligned in their focus: extracting maximum performance each weekend rather than calculating championship permutations.

  • Lewis Hamilton: I Don’t Want Preferential Treatment from Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton: I Don’t Want Preferential Treatment from Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton has dismissed suggestions that Ferrari should prioritize his championship bid over team-mate Charles Leclerc, insisting his focus remains on collective execution rather than preferential treatment. The seven-time world champion finds himself 76 points behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli with 10 rounds remaining, while Leclerc’s retirement at the Italian Grand Prix leaves him 112 points adrift—assuming the final races proceed unaffected by the Iran conflict.

    Hamilton Rejects Number One Driver Status

    Despite holding a mathematically viable path to the title, Hamilton pushed back against the narrative that Ferrari should funnel resources toward his campaign. When asked if the Scuderia should put all efforts behind him and have Leclerc play a supporting role, Hamilton responded directly:

    “That’s not actually really what I’ve been asking for.

    “It’s really just making sure we’re executing to make sure we get the best result for the team. Instead of us working against each other and finishing fourth and fifth, maybe we can work together and get a podium, pull off more points.”

    Consistency Keeps Hamilton in Contention

    Hamilton’s championship relevance stems largely from remarkable consistency: he is the only driver to finish every grand prix inside the top ten this season, with his lowest result being sixth. Yet he remains acutely aware of Ferrari’s fundamental deficit relative to Mercedes, particularly in power unit performance. Ferrari has yet to secure a single pole position in 2026.

    Quantifying the Straight-Line Deficit

    Hamilton provided specific data on the performance gap, highlighting the straight-line disadvantage that has defined Ferrari’s season:

    “Mercedes, if you look at the last race, they were six tenths a lap quicker on the straights,” Hamilton pointed out. “Pretty much most of the other tracks, it was three or four tenths. We were losing just on the straights.

    “I think we’ve done a really great job, given that we’ve had that deficit, and we continue to make improvements to the car. We’ve made improvements to the engine. We knew that the last [engine] upgrade wasn’t going to be a silver bullet and close that gap completely. But for me, it’s really positive to see us continuously stepping forward. They are just very, very quick, and it’s not easy.”

    Focus on Internal Execution Over External Rivals

    Rather than fixating on Mercedes’ advantage, Hamilton emphasized a strategy centered on operational excellence and capitalizing on opponent errors:

    “As I said, rather than focus on them – they’re not a focus for me at the moment – I think our focus should just be, how we can do the best and execute the best on our weekends, because there’ll be weekends where they’re exceptional, and there’ll be weekends where they maybe drop the ball.

    “As long as we just focus on our consistency and trying to optimise our weekends, maybe there’s going to be a moment where we are able to capitalise on, perhaps, their shortcomings.”

    That approach already yielded a signature victory earlier this season, when Hamilton beat Antonelli and George Russell to win the Barcelona Grand Prix—proof that maximizing Ferrari’s package can overcome the straight-line deficit on the right weekend.

  • ‘Nothing lingers’: Lewis Hamilton opens up on ‘racing relationship’ with Charles Leclerc after Monza clash

    ‘Nothing lingers’: Lewis Hamilton opens up on ‘racing relationship’ with Charles Leclerc after Monza clash

    Hamilton and Leclerc Maintain Strong Racing Relationship After Monza Clash

    Lewis Hamilton has emphasized that he shares “a good racing relationship” with Charles Leclerc following a near-disastrous collision at the start of the Italian Grand Prix. The British driver also praised Ferrari’s communication in the aftermath of the incident.

    Monza Incident Sees Both Drivers Lose Ground

    The pair lined up on the second row for Ferrari’s home race at Monza, but any podium hopes evaporated quickly. Running side-by-side at Turn 2, Hamilton was forced onto the gravel and tumbled down the order, while Leclerc crashed out not long after. Hamilton subsequently called on Ferrari to “change things” regarding their approach to intra-team battles so they don’t end up “in jeopardy” again. Team Principal Fred Vasseur indicated that a discussion around rules of engagement would be necessary.

    Tension Resolved as Focus Shifts to Spanish Grand Prix

    Hamilton recovered to sixth place, and any lingering tension appears to have been put behind them as the team turns its attention to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at the brand-new Madring circuit. Reflecting on his bond with Leclerc, the 41-year-old said:

    “I think we’ve got a good racing relationship. I think the fact [is] that we are grown ups and are able to communicate with each other, which we have.

    “I’m really happy that he’s really healthy and he’s back here this weekend because we need him in the fight to challenge Mercedes together. There is all this discussion about communication and execution and stuff, but the communication between John [Elkann, Executive Chairman] and Benedetto [Vigna, Chief Executive Officer] and Fred, and his drivers, are really great.

    “We all sit down and talk afterwards, squash it and move on so nothing lingers. We’re just looking forward to how we can work better together.”

    Championship Gap and Remaining Opportunities

    The frustrating result at Monza saw Hamilton drop to 76 points behind standings leader Kimi Antonelli — roughly the equivalent of three Grand Prix victories. With 10 rounds remaining, however, Ferrari remains hopeful of continuing the fight against Mercedes and staying in contention for the championship, with Hamilton targeting a record-breaking eighth drivers’ title.

    Hamilton’s Belief in Ferrari’s Potential

    “I’m still a believer that Ferrari has absolutely everything we need to win,” he concluded. “It takes everything coming together, naturally, to be able to achieve what we’re trying to achieve.

    “It’s also difficult when you’re fighting against the team just ahead on performance. I think we just have to continue. We’ve built a really good foundation with this first part of the year and we just have to continue to build on it. The team has worked incredibly hard to bring upgrades weekend in and weekend out.

    “We’ve just obviously taken a step with the engine, which is a real positive. I think it’s really important to just acknowledge that. I trust in everything that we’re doing, the steps we’re taking. Trusting Fred, and I really believe that we will get to where we’re going. Whether it’s next week, several weeks’ time or next year, we’ll just keep pushing.”

  • Kimi Antonelli’s Brilliant Monza Victory Marks Defining Moment of 2026 Season

    Kimi Antonelli’s Brilliant Monza Victory Marks Defining Moment of 2026 Season

    Kimi Antonelli Produces Monza Masterclass to Win from 19th on Grid

    Kimi Antonelli delivered what will surely rank among the great drives of recent Formula 1 history on Sunday, storming from 19th on the grid to victory at the Italian Grand Prix. The win at his home circuit represents a crowning moment in the young Italian’s burgeoning career.

    Championship Leader Turns Penalty into Opportunity

    Arriving at Monza with a commanding 59-point lead in the championship standings, Antonelli faced a significant setback in the form of a grid penalty that relegated him to the back of the field. The punishment appeared to hand his rivals a golden opportunity to slash his points advantage.

    Instead, the Mercedes driver produced a recovery drive of extraordinary quality, slicing through the field with precision and pace that left the opposition helpless. By the time the chequered flag fell, Antonelli had not only preserved his championship buffer but likely extended it in decisive fashion.

    Russell Left to Contemplate Title Hopes

    The result deals a heavy blow to George Russell’s title aspirations. As Antonelli celebrated on Sunday evening — famously eating pasta from his winner’s trophy — his teammate will be left licking his wounds and confronting the reality that the 2025 championship may have slipped beyond his reach for good.

    The contrast in fortunes between the two Mercedes drivers could hardly be starker. While Antonelli’s star continues to rise with a signature victory, Russell faces an increasingly uphill battle with each passing race weekend.

    Monza Magic Cements Rookie Status

    Winning at Monza — the spiritual home of Italian motorsport — from such a lowly grid position marks Antonelli out as a special talent. The circuit’s high-speed nature and the pressure of a home crowd make recovery drives exceptionally difficult, yet the rookie made it appear almost routine.

    With the championship lead intact and momentum firmly on his side, Antonelli heads to the next round as the undisputed favourite. For Russell and the rest of the grid, the message is clear: the Italian’s title charge shows no signs of slowing down.

  • Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that even he has been caught off guard by the meteoric rise of Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season, comparing the young Italian’s development curve to an “AI agent” that continuously self‑improves.

    From Rookie Struggles to Title Contention

    The 20‑year‑old is contesting only his second full F1 campaign after being fast‑tracked into the Silver Arrows seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2025 season. His debut year was a roller‑coaster: flashes of brilliance were interrupted by a nine‑race point‑less streak that included a difficult weekend at Spa‑Francorchamps. Critics questioned Wolff’s faith in the rookie, but the Austrian remained steadfast.

    “Last year was according to plan,” Wolff said. “I’ve said there are going to be moments of brilliance, difficult moments. I think he started the season at a time when he found himself like a deer in the headlights. In his zone, in the car, extraordinary performances already, but not continuous. Then he had this negative spell where he made over nine races without scoring points. I remember Spa was terrible for him and he was feeling down. Monza was the point where I for the first time said to him, ‘listen, you’ve got to wake up here’. But never doubting. That’s why we gave him the opportunity.”

    Winter Break Sparks Transformation

    The narrative flipped after the off‑season. Mercedes returned to the front of the grid under the new technical regulations, and Antonelli’s form surged in lockstep. He now heads the Drivers’ Championship with a 66‑point cushion over seasoned teammate George Russell—a gap Wolff concedes nobody anticipated.

    “He came out after the winter, out of the blocks in a way that no one saw coming,” Wolff explained. “The ability, how he processed last year. He’s been at all the races. He’s seen the pressure of the media, the attention that he gets. It’s in a way that the system has been processed and saved. And that’s why [he’s had] the results that we’ve seen afterwards.

    “But it is still surprising and amazing to see how quickly he develops. For me, it’s like an AI agent that continuously self-improves and learns. That’s the speed. Also his age is for sure beneficial. The ability cognitively, intellectually to constantly become better.”

    Antonelli Stays Grounded Despite Lead

    Despite a standout victory at Monza—where he charged from 19th on the grid after taking an engine penalty—Antonelli refuses to look beyond the next session. After the Italian Grand Prix he told Sky Sports he is simply taking the championship race by race.

    “I just take race by race because you never know what can happen,” Antonelli said. “Today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it, but of course next week we have Madrid and it’s going to be a new challenge. We will have to be on top of the game because it’s a new track for everyone and it’s going to be important to be on point in order to maximise the track time and everything. I’m going to enjoy this moment and then focus on the next one and then focus on the next one again until the end of the season.”

    Next Stop: Madrid’s Madring Circuit

    Formula 1 resumes this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix, which moves from Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya to the brand‑new Madring layout. The unfamiliar venue presents another test for Antonelli as he bids to extend his championship advantage in what is shaping up to be a breakthrough sophomore campaign.

  • Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    F1 Power Rankings: Antonelli’s Historic Monza Masterclass Tops Latest Standings

    Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the most remarkable victories in recent Formula 1 history at the Italian Grand Prix, earning a perfect 10 in the latest Power Rankings after charging from 19th on the grid to win at Monza.

    Antonelli’s Drive for the Ages Secures Perfect Score

    Starting from P19 following power unit penalties, the Mercedes rookie was expected to merely limit damage to his championship lead. Instead, he produced an all-time great performance, slicing through the field to battle teammate George Russell for the lead before the halfway mark. A perfectly timed pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car put Antonelli on fresher medium tyres, allowing him to hunt down Russell and pass his title rival with four laps remaining. The victory made him the first Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix in 60 years.

    Gasly’s Qualifying Mastery Earns High Marks

    Pierre Gasly’s Saturday heroics nearly matched Antonelli’s Sunday brilliance. The Alpine driver maximized the Mercedes power unit to top both Q1 and Q3, securing his maiden Formula 1 pole position. Though race pace proved insufficient to hold the lead over 53 laps — Gasly finished seventh — he remained comfortably the best of the rest at a circuit where he claimed his only F1 victory six years ago.

    Verstappen Continues Podium Consistency

    Despite a straight-line speed deficit to the Mercedes-powered cars, Max Verstappen again proved a formidable opponent. The Red Bull driver surged from fifth to second early on, even leading for three laps before being overtaken by both Mercedes drivers. A VSC pit stop mirrored Antonelli’s strategy, and Verstappen charged back to third for his third podium in four races.

    Lindblad’s Quiet Consistency Lifts Racing Bulls

    Arvid Lindblad continued his under-the-radar excellence with an eighth-place finish. Starting ninth, the Racing Bulls rookie benefited from Charles Leclerc’s crash and Franco Colapinto’s off-track excursion at the Lesmos. The result extends Lindblad’s scoring streak to seven points finishes in the last eight races, keeping Racing Bulls ahead of Alpine in the constructors’ standings.

    Russell’s Opportunity Slips Away

    George Russell arrived at Monza facing a 59-point championship deficit to Antonelli, with his teammate’s grid penalty presenting a golden opportunity. The Briton qualified second — his final Q3 lap slightly compromised by Verstappen — and led the race comfortably until the VSC period. Battery management and slipstream effects prevented Russell from building a buffer, while his hard tyre stint ruled out a VSC pit stop. Despite a flawless weekend, Russell leaves Monza seven points further behind in the standings.

    Piastri Rebounds as McLaren Struggles for Race Pace

    Oscar Piastri returned to form after a difficult Zandvoort weekend, qualifying third before a three-place grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson. The Australian recovered strongly, passing Lewis Hamilton for fourth and pressuring teammate Lando Norris in the closing laps. Norris, the reigning champion, could only manage eighth in qualifying as McLaren lacked race-winning pace despite the Mercedes power unit. He recovered to fifth, passing Piastri on the final lap at the Ascari chicane.

    Bortoleto So Close, Tsunoda Back in Points

    Gabriel Bortoleto missed Q3 by a mere 0.001 seconds for Audi, though Antonelli’s penalty promoted him into the top 10 start. The Brazilian finished 11th, seven seconds shy of points. Yuki Tsunoda, in his second race back with Racing Bulls, climbed from 15th to tenth, potentially strengthening his case for a 2025 seat. Red Bull confirmed Liam Lawson will remain with the senior team in Madrid, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar.

    Sainz Leads Williams Charge

    Williams anticipated difficulties at Monza but Carlos Sainz salvaged 13th, finishing ahead of Lawson’s Red Bull and both upgraded Haas cars, just 16 seconds from the points.

    Just Missing the Top 10

    Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman narrowly missed the Power Rankings top 10. Colapinto ran as high as third for Alpine before an off-track moment dropped him to ninth, while Bearman utilized Haas upgrades to finish 15th.

  • Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has criticized Mercedes’ strategy during the Italian Grand Prix, arguing the team compromised George Russell’s race victory chances by failing to double-stack their drivers under the Virtual Safety Car.

    Montoya Questions Mercedes Pit Strategy at Monza

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at Monza, led by home favorite Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie recovered from 19th on the grid to become the first Italian winner at the circuit since 1966. However, Russell controlled the early phases of the race and appeared the primary candidate for victory before a mid-race Virtual Safety Car period altered the complexion of the Grand Prix.

    The British driver was leading at the time but was left out on track while Antonelli pitted. The Italian subsequently sliced through the field and overtook his teammate for the win.

    Montoya: Russell Should Have Received Priority Stop

    Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race show, Montoya argued Mercedes should have given Russell the priority pitstop.

    “He was leading and he should have had the priority on the pitstop. When that virtual safety car came, at that point, it’s quicker to stop than staying out. They should have stopped him, they should have double-stacked him, and he should have stopped ahead of Antonelli,” the Colombian explained.

    “And I’m not saying Antonelli wouldn’t still catch him and win the race, but it would have been a really close fight like we saw earlier on. It would have been a really cool race at the end for all of us.”

    Wolff Defends Strategy, Cites Tyre Constraints

    Team principal Toto Wolff addressed suggestions the Brackley outfit’s strategy favoured Antonelli.

    “The two-stop was the best but we didn’t think it was the case, so that was good for him actually,” he told Sky Sports F1 after the race.

    “But today there was nothing that would have stopped him [Antonelli]. George fought with worn-out tools at the end, so I’m really happy for the one-two.”

    When asked if there were any alternative strategic options for Russell, Wolff added:

    “No, George was on the hard and we needed to go on the one-stop so there was no chance.”

  • Has Monza Made Mercedes the Betting Favourites Again?

    Has Monza Made Mercedes the Betting Favourites Again?

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at the Italian Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli delivering a sensational victory at Monza. Our expert betting analysts examine the championship implications for Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull following the Silver Arrows’ commanding performance.

    Mercedes Dominates at Monza

    The Italian Grand Prix produced a statement result for Mercedes as the team locked out the top two positions. Antonelli’s breakthrough win marks a significant milestone in the young driver’s career and signals a potential shift in the competitive order heading into the final stretch of the season.

    Championship Rivals Respond

    Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull now face critical strategic decisions as they assess the fallout from Mercedes’ resurgence. Each constructor must evaluate setup directions, development priorities, and race-weekend operations to counter the sudden pace advantage shown by the Brackley-based squad.

    Betting Markets React

    Our expert betting writers have analyzed the latest odds movements across all major markets. The Mercedes 1-2 has triggered significant shifts in constructors’ championship pricing, drivers’ title futures, and individual race winner markets for upcoming Grands Prix.