F1 news: George Russell faces reality check as Kimi Antonelli takes control at Mercedes
As Formula 1 heads to Madrid this weekend (September 11-13) for the first Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring, the Mercedes garage is still dealing with the aftermath of Monza.
Kimi Antonelli’s charge from 19th to victory at the Italian Grand Prix, overtaking team-mate George Russell in the closing stages, has left the Briton 66 points behind in the championship.
Russell started second and looked set for a strong result, but the young Italian’s pace and strategy call sealed another statement win for the title leader.
It was the clearest sign yet that this season belongs to Antonelli.
Time for Russell to play the team game
Former F1 driver Marc Surer, speaking to OLBG and Sports News Blitz, believes Russell now has little choice but to accept his position.
“Yes I think now he has to accept.
“I had a situation in my career…this is at the moment very hard, but then you have to accept to do your thing. This is what Russell has to do. With me, it’s when I had Nelson Piquet at Brabham. I had to accept that he can go faster than me. This is a moment you don’t like as a driver, but you have to live with it.
“And I think Russell has to say ‘I hope maybe the car suits me more next year, so my chance comes next year. But this year, I have no chance to beat this young guy. I have to accept it, and if I help him, I’m a team player.’
“You know, it’s good to show to the outside that ‘I helped with this young guy. It’s his year. It’s his chance, so I help him.’ It’s much better than fighting against him.”
Mercedes have already shown they are prepared to use team orders when needed, and with Antonelli looking increasingly dominant, the dynamic inside the team has shifted.
Russell has been the more experienced hand, but the 20-year-old’s consistency and race craft this year have put him firmly in control.
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Looking ahead to Madrid
The Madring is a brand-new semi-street circuit, so both drivers will start on equal footing in terms of track knowledge.
That could give Russell a chance to push hard and take some points back. But after Monza, Antonelli is likely to be the one Mercedes will protect if the title fight stays this one-sided.
Russell’s best move now might be the one Surer suggests - accept the situation, support the team, and prepare to fight next season.
Fighting the inevitable would only create the kind of internal tension Ferrari are currently dealing with.
For Mercedes, a calm, professional approach from both sides of the garage will be the smartest way through the remaining races, starting this weekend in Madrid.
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