Juan Pablo Montoya has cast doubt on the narrative of Andrea Kimi Antonelli's victory at Monza, suggesting it was more about tyre strategy than pure pace. The Colombian even claimed that George Russell was the fastest driver all weekend at the Italian circuit.
Speaking to BetBrothers, Montoya offered a perspective rarely heard. “I think Kimi Antonelli will become world champion judging by how he drives every race weekend,” he said. “But I also think Russell is starting to reach his level. George maybe thinks too much about how he drives, how he manages the tyres, and everything else. When he's under pressure, he finds a very high rhythm, and if he had used that rhythm early in the race, Kimi would have had no chance of winning.”
The 2026 season statistics back Antonelli's dominance: seven wins from 13 races. Yet Montoya argues that the numbers don't tell the whole story. At Monza, Antonelli shone with a late pass on Russell, but the tyre advantage was crucial. Russell, on worn hard tyres, nearly held off his teammate until the final laps.
“I think George was faster all weekend, but George was never given the chance, with medium tyres in the race, to prove it,” Montoya added. “So, the hard truth is that, in my opinion, if they had both been on medium tyres, George would have won the race.”
This statement highlights the strategic dilemma often seen in modern F1. Mercedes seemingly chose the safe path for Antonelli, while Russell had to accept a less ideal tyre choice. Montoya, known for his outspokenness, doesn't blame the team, but wants the public to see Russell's individual performance, which he believes was no slower.
With 13 races remaining, the internal Mercedes battle could become a focal point. Antonelli is on the brink of the title, but if Russell continues to show speed like at Monza, the team dynamics could shift. Montoya has offered both praise and a warning: don't underestimate Russell.
For F1 fans, Montoya's comments add spice ahead of the upcoming rounds. Is Antonelli truly unstoppable, or does Russell just need a bit of strategic luck to turn things around? We'll find out on track.
Baca Juga
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