2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has dismissed claims that Mercedes favoured Andrea Kimi Antonelli over George Russell during the Italian Grand Prix. The German believes the team gave both drivers equal treatment.
Russell and Antonelli traded the lead several times in an intense battle at Monza. But the race turned when a virtual safety car appeared with 25 laps to go. Mercedes called Antonelli in for fresh medium tyres, while Russell stayed out on old hard tyres. Antonelli rejoined in sixth and charged through the field, passing Russell with three laps remaining to seal a stunning home victory.
The result leaves Russell trailing Antonelli by 66 points in the drivers' standings with ten races still to run. When asked if the Silver Arrows had shown favouritism, Rosberg was emphatic: "No, no, no, no, no. Equal opportunity for both. It has to be the case. And that is the case. They're racing for the championship."
He explained that internally, the team's priority was clear: "George is leading the race. He gets the best strategy to get in the fastest way possible to the end of the race, he gets the first choice. It doesn’t matter where Kimi is." Rosberg added that Mercedes must now confirm that keeping Russell out was indeed the best decision, given he only had used mediums available. "It’s hard to know from outside. I hope that was the case," he said.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stressed there was no alternative for Russell. "George was on the hard and we needed to go on the one-stop so there was no chance," he told Sky Sports F1. Russell himself downplayed any frustration, saying he understood the logic. "I was on the hard tyre and Kimi was on the medium tyre, so if either of us were to pit, it was going to be Kimi," he explained. "I was a bit annoyed with the timing of the VSC, but it takes nothing away from Kimi's drive."
Read Also
Fernando Alonso says Monza is 'no longer the Temple of Speed' as F1 2026 cars show lower top speeds. He also reflects on Aston Martin's double DNF at the Italian GP.
Franco Colapinto was in tears after a restart error at Monza cost him a potential podium. The Alpine driver recovered to P9, still scoring two points.
Italian GP 2026 at Monza showcased extreme 'yo-yo racing' in F1. Verstappen and others struggled to hold position despite having extra power.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!