Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes/1st): Why he’s got George Russell under control once again

A superb performance from Formula 1 World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli on the first day of practice at the Red Bull Ring. The 19-year-old Italian set the fastest time in both of the first two practice sessions for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Here in Styria, too, it is striking how seemingly effortlessly the teenager is outpacing his experienced team-mate George Russell – the Briton was second in the first practice session, but could only manage sixth in the second 60 minutes. That is sobering.

The impression is becoming increasingly clear: Kimi is throwing his Mercedes around the circuit like an oversized go-kart, with an aggressive driving style featuring sharp turn-in and a lively rear end – something the Bolognese driver is quite comfortable with.

Russell, on the other hand, drives with much more finesse, but this seems to suit the new generation of cars less than the winged cars used until the end of 2025.

Where does Mercedes stand after the first day? Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord says: “A solid day; we’ve had plenty of running without any significant problems. We need to work on the car’s balance for a fast lap. And the set-up for the race isn’t quite right yet either.”

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“I don’t think we’ve seen everything from our rivals yet. McLaren will be strong, Ferrari will undoubtedly step up, and I expect the same from Red Bull Racing.”

“All the teams are facing the same problem here. The temperatures are high, and the tyres overheat in no time at all. It will be crucial to keep the rear tyres alive for as long as possible during the Grand Prix. When it comes to a fast lap, the key is to bed in the tyres so that they’re already offering full grip in the first corner, but you mustn’t push them so hard that they give out in the final part of the lap.”