2026 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

[FrukostScones]

It is now pretty obvious that Antonelli is favored (in what way everyone can decide by himself) by Torger. And that only means, they want to keep Antonelli has hyped WDC, to be paired by Verstappen next year.

[FittingMechanics]

Russell pushed Antonelli off. It was a slam dunk penalty. Antonelli was alongside and in control.

Agreed, but this is type of racing we've had for years with drivers gaming the system by letting off the brakes to reach apex first, both the defender and attacker.

Norris and Verstappen had a whole multi year saga in 2024 about that.

It may come down to one of them saying he won't back out of it and we get a crash. That is how some drivers would solve it and it may be only way if stewards won't interfere.

[AR3-GP]

Russell pushed Antonelli off. It was a slam dunk penalty. Antonelli was alongside and in control.

Agreed, but this is type of racing we've had for years with drivers gaming the system by letting off the brakes to reach apex first, both the defender and attacker.

Norris and Verstappen had a whole multi year saga in 2024 about that.

Perez got a 10 second penalty in the sprint today for the same thing so it doesn't really make any sense.

[FittingMechanics]

Russell pushed Antonelli off. It was a slam dunk penalty. Antonelli was alongside and in control.

Agreed, but this is type of racing we've had for years with drivers gaming the system by letting off the brakes to reach apex first, both the defender and attacker.

Norris and Verstappen had a whole multi year saga in 2024 about that.

Perez got a 10 second penalty in the sprint today for the same thing so it doesn't really make any sense.

I think stewards should work even if it is between teammates but I am not sure that is how it works. Maybe in some egregious cases.

But if this was between teams you can bet that stewards would be involved and Russel penalized.

[SB15]

Kimi Antonelli: “If you’re wheel-to-wheel, you can overtake on either side”

[FittingMechanics]

Kimi Antonelli: “If you’re wheel-to-wheel, you can overtake on either side”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJBR3P4XAAA ... name=large

He needs to be ahead at apex and able to make the corner. But it won't help him if team lets it slide.

[FittingMechanics]

It is now pretty obvious that Antonelli is favored (in what way everyone can decide by himself) by Torger. And that only means, they want to keep Antonelli has hyped WDC, to be paired by Verstappen next year.

Why is that obvious? They could have told Russell he pushed him off and to stop it.

[Gillian]

Antonelli favored!? How can you come to that conclusion after this sprint?

[Jambier]

ANT is learning the job.

Yes RUS pushed him off track, it is to be expected.

So it is up to ANT to learn and not go outside the track.
VER can give him some advices I think

[FittingMechanics]

Antonelli favored!? How can you come to that conclusion after this sprint?

I'm surprised that Toto seems to be saying they haven't made rules so far. I find that hard to believe.

[FittingMechanics]

ANT is learning the job.

Yes RUS pushed him off track, it is to be expected.

So it is up to ANT to learn and not go outside the track.
VER can give him some advices I think

NOR is much better to give advice. In 2024 he had this same situation multiple times until he learned to let off his brakes and be ahead at apex.

[FNTC]

Kimi was on full tilt after getting squeezed by Russell. Even after the race on the radio "if this is how we race, good to know". Toto had to step in twice to tell him to shut up. Love it.

I like how fired up the kid is. Expecting a 2016 like 2026 Mercedes season. No matter what Reichmarshall Wolff threatens him with, Antonelli should keep dishing it out on the track and scare Russel.

Yeah, exactly, I had 2016 vibes myself. One crash and double DNF and it will be full on war.

[Gillian]

Antonelli favored!? How can you come to that conclusion after this sprint?

I'm surprised that Toto seems to be saying they haven't made rules so far. I find that hard to believe.

Yeah not buying that at all!

Antonelli is outright faster, no doubt in my mind whatsoever. Curious to see if he's willing to play hard like Russel. I dont like the teams radio messages to Antonelli... at all.

[Badger]

I don't think Russell's defense was unfair. He made the corner easily and was ahead "from the apex". Being alongside on the apex isn't enough, you have to remain side by side towards the exit.

[venkyhere]

Neither driver is wrong, they should just let it play out naturally, instead of Wolff trying to play puppet master.