George Russell without a chance? Mercedes team principal Wolff explains Monza strategy

George Russell started the Italian Grand Prix on the high-speed Monza circuit from second on the grid and, after 53 laps, crossed the finish line in second place. However, it was not surprise pole-setter Pierre Gasly in the Alpine car who crossed the finish line ahead of him, but his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who sparked frenetic celebrations in the stands.

The local hero, who secured the first Monza victory for an Italian in 60 years, had been forced to start the race from 19th on the grid. This was because a new engine was rumbling in the rear of his car, exceeding the permitted quota. Antonelli benefited from a pit stop during the virtual safety car period, which had been triggered when Lance Stroll pulled his Aston Martin race car over.

The Italian was fitted with fresh medium-compound tyres, on which he set off in pursuit of his team-mate at the front. Russell, on the other hand, had to finish the race on old hard tyres, and his team warned him that Antonelli would be able to close the gap before the chequered flag. It was inevitable: on lap 50, Antonelli overtook the second Mercedes to claim his seventh victory.

Toto Wolff: “Antonelli was unstoppable”

And, of course, the question arose as to why Mercedes hadn’t called the race leader into the pits for a tyre change. Team principal Toto Wolff told Sky that Mercedes hadn’t expected Antonelli’s two-stop strategy to be the faster option. “Antonelli put his foot down, didn’t take any risks at the start of the restarts, and then picked off one position after another. That was an outstanding performance,” he enthused.

“Ultimately, making two stops was the best option, but we hadn’t anticipated that. That obviously played into his hands, but he would have been unstoppable today anyway. I’m really happy. And George had to fight with worn tyres at the end. I’m delighted that we managed to secure the top two positions. We had to go with a one-stop strategy with him, so we didn’t stand a chance,” claimed the Viennese driver.

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