Charles Leclerc has confirmed he is ready to give teammate Lewis Hamilton a slipstream or tow during Italian Grand Prix qualifying. This is part of Ferrari's strategy to maximize performance at Monza, known as the 'Temple of Speed'.
On the other side, Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes is also ready to help George Russell, his rival in the title fight. Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to an engine change penalty, so he has little stake in the fight for pole.
Slipstream Strategy and Role Sharing
At Ferrari, drivers alternate in choosing the order of car departure in Q3. This weekend, Hamilton has the priority to choose, and Leclerc made it clear he won't sacrifice his own chances. "We've always had the same philosophy, one time Lewis has the priority to choose where he wants to start, and one weekend is on me," said Leclerc.
"This weekend Lewis will have the priority, so I guess he'll go for the slipstream. Whether we are going to compromise one qualifying rather than the other, I don't think that will happen. But of course, if we can help each other by starting the lap at the optimum distance, that will be done," he added.
Antonelli Ready to Help Russell
The situation at Mercedes is slightly different. Antonelli, who leads the championship with a comfortable margin over Russell and Hamilton, will start from the back after receiving a new power unit. With that, he said he is ready to give Russell a tow if asked by the team.
"It has been discussed with the team, and we have agreed on a few things. If the team will ask me to do so, I will do it. Because, obviously, I'm not fighting for pole. So, if I could do anything to help the team, I will do it," said Antonelli.
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Charles Leclerc ready to tow Lewis Hamilton in Italian GP qualifying. How will Ferrari and Mercedes strategize at Monza? Full analysis inside.
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